Persistent hepatic injury leading to cirrhosis ultimately results in hepatocellular dysfunction
and portal hypertension. Portal hypertension represents a consistent and devastating
complication of advanced liver disease. The pathophysiologic basis of portal hypertension is
complex and involves multiple factors. In most instances, an increase in intrahepatic
resistance to blood flow is a key component. Increased intrahepatic resistance results from a
combination of fixed factors, such as extracellular matrix–containing nodules, and factors …