Reflux Hepatic-Jugular

Hepatojugular Reflux: Understanding Symptoms and Possible Causes

In medical practice, there are a varying number of symptoms that may indicate the presence of certain diseases or disorders in the body. One of these symptoms that we will talk about today is called hepatojugular reflux, also known as the Pasteur-Roudeau sign.

Hepatojugular reflux is a medical term that describes the observed increase in blood volume in the liver when pressure is applied to the vein passing through the jugular fossa in the neck. When pressure is applied to this vein, blood from the liver is deposited back into the jugular vein, causing an increase in blood flow and visible swelling of the neck area.

Pasteur-Roudeau's sign usually occurs in certain pathological conditions related to the liver and heart. The most common causes of hepatojugular reflux are:

1. Portal hypertension: This is a condition in which the pressure in the portal vein, the main vessel that carries blood to the liver, increases. Portal hypertension can be caused by cirrhosis of the liver, portal vein thrombosis, or other diseases that prevent normal blood flow to the liver.

2. Heart Failure: Heart failure refers to a condition in which the heart cannot pump effectively and pump blood throughout the body. In heart failure, blood stagnation occurs in the liver, which can lead to hepatojugular reflux.

3. Other liver pathologies: Some liver diseases, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis or tumors, can cause disturbances in blood flow and lead to hepatojugular reflux.

Diagnosis of hepatojugular reflux usually includes a physical examination of the patient by a doctor, as well as specialized clinical tests. If hepatojugular reflux is suspected, Doppler ultrasound may be prescribed, which allows one to visualize blood flow in the liver and determine possible abnormalities.

Treatment of hepatojugular reflux is aimed at eliminating the underlying disease that caused the symptom. If the cause is portal hypertension, treatment may include medications to reduce portal vein pressure or surgical correction of obstructions to normal blood flow. In case of heart failure, treatment is necessary to improve heart function and reduce blood stagnation in the liver.

It is important to note that hepatojugular reflux is only a symptom of the underlying disease. Therefore, effective treatment should be aimed at correcting the underlying cause. Patients are advised to consult a doctor for a complete medical examination and to determine the exact cause of hepatojugular reflux.

In conclusion, hepatojugular reflux is a symptom that may indicate the presence of pathological changes in the liver or heart. Diagnosis and treatment of this condition should be based on identifying the underlying disease that caused reflux. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner to receive professional medical care and determine the optimal treatment plan.

Reflux is the constant or repeated back movement of stomach contents into the esophagus. Gastroreflux manifests itself with many symptoms. The most common and fairly specific symptom is belching.

From the esophagus and stomach (called the digestive tract), contents are thrown back into the esophagus