Non-Cirrhotic Portal Fibrosis (NCPF)

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Overview

Non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF) is a chronic liver disease and type of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH). Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) is a term used to describe a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by the presence of portal hypertension with preserved liver structure and function

There are veins which carry blood from the various digestive organs to the liver. When there is an obstruction in the free flow of blood in the liver, it increases the pressure and is known as Non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis This increased blood pressure stresses the blood vessels in the esophagus, stomach, and other digestive organs and results in internal bleeding.

What Causes Non-Cirrhotic Portal Fibrosis?

Cirrhosis is the most common cause of portal hypertension. The cirrhosis could be a result of excessive consumption of alcohol, chronic hepatitis, or thrombosis in the liver vessels. Blood clots in the portal vein are schistosomiasis ( a parasiticinfection) are some other causes of portal hypertension. It is also important to know that in some cases, the causes of this condition remain unknown.

What are the symptoms

• Bleeding in the abdominal vessels

• Reduced platelet count

• Blood in the stools and/or vomitus (black tarry stools or blood in the vomitus)

Treatment

• The fluid in the abdomen may be removed surgically by paracentesis

• In cases where a shunt is not possible, then devascularization is done. This involves removal of the bleeding varices.

• As a last option, a liver transplant surgery may also be considered.