Portal hypertension in children.

The main causes of intrahepatic portal hypertension in children are cirrhosis and congenital hepatic fibrosis. Non cirrhotic portal hypertension in children is mostly due to extrahepatic portal vein obstruction. In half of cases, no underlying disorder is found. The meso-Rex bypass is the preferred treatment, when it is possible. The closest to the portal vein the obstruction, the highest the risk of esophagogastric varices.