Portal pressure is described mathematically as a function of flow and resistance across the
hepatic vasculature, otherwise known as Ohm's law:(pressureZflow! resistance)[1]. In
cirrhosis, increased intrahepatic resistance results from both intrahepatic vasoconstriction
and surrounding mechanical factors including collagen deposition and regenerative
nodules. Although recent studies are demonstrating a dynamic component to mechanical
factors [2], these are not currently a reliable target for portal pressure reduction. Intrahepatic …