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An alcoholic patient presents with hematemesis, portal hypertension, and spider angiomata. Which blood flow issue is the cause of the hematemesis?

A. Portal vein thrombosis
B. Portal vein stenosis
C. Portal vein arteriovenous fistula
D. Portal vein congestion

Answer :

Final answer:

The hematemesis and other symptoms in the alcoholic patient can be ascribed to portal vein congestion caused by cirrhosis. The scarring from cirrhosis obstructs blood flow through the liver, resulting in portal hypertension and potentially leading to hematemesis.

Explanation:

The condition described in the question is likely arising due to portal vein congestion. In the context of an alcoholic patient presenting with hematemesis, portal hypertension, and spider angiomata, the issue is related to blood flow in the portal vein, specifically. Cirrhosis, often caused by years of heavy drinking, can lead to scarring within the liver that obstructs the flow of blood through the liver. This obstruction causes the portal hypertension by making it difficult for blood from the intestines to go through the liver and return to the heart, leading to the development of portal systemic anastomoses or shunts. These shunts enable portal blood to bypass the liver and return to the heart without undergoing first-pass detoxification by the liver. This congestion of the portal vein can eventually cause hematemesis due to the rupture of esophageal varices or other complications.

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