Gastropathy and gastritis in children with portal hypertension.

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) and gastritis in children with portal hypertension and related factors. The study included 24 children with portal hypertension secondary to liver disease or extrahepatic venous obstruction. PHG was seen in 14 of 24 patients. PHG was significantly associated with the presence of esophageal varices and a history of hematemesis. Histologically, gastritis was identified in 14 of 24 patients and was significantly associated with cirrhosis. PHG is frequently found in children with portal hypertension, and it develops regardless of the cause of the portal hypertension.