Early Detection of Portal Cirrhosis: Comprehensive Diagnostic Approaches

Ultrasound imaging is one of the primary tools used in detecting portal cirrhosis. During a color Doppler ultrasound examination, signs such as reduced liver density, tortuous and dilated hepatic vessels may be observed. In some cases, a wavy appearance of the liver capsule can also be noted. For patients with long-standing disease, splenomegaly (enlarged spleen) is often seen, which serves as an indirect indicator of liver cirrhosis on imaging studies.

Identifying underlying liver conditions is crucial for accurate diagnosis. It is important to assess whether the patient has pre-existing diseases such as viral hepatitis or autoimmune hepatitis. Long-term alcohol consumption or regular use of certain medications may also contribute to liver damage and should be thoroughly evaluated. Blood tests including hepatitis B surface antigen, core antibody, and hepatitis C antibody are typically conducted to rule out viral causes. When autoimmune hepatitis is suspected, additional specialized blood tests should be considered.

In cases where viral hepatitis is confirmed, assessing viral activity becomes a key step in disease management. Tests such as HBV DNA and HCV RNA are performed to determine if active viral replication is occurring. If high levels of replication are detected alongside impaired liver function, antiviral therapy should be strongly considered to slow disease progression and improve outcomes.

For patients in decompensated cirrhosis stages, surgical intervention may be necessary. Those presenting with complications such as esophageal varices, gastric varices, or a history of upper gastrointestinal bleeding require careful evaluation. When accompanied by splenomegaly, a surgical procedure known as devascularization (portal-systemic shunt surgery) might be recommended to reduce portal pressure and prevent life-threatening bleeding episodes.