Patient's question:
I had a health check-up last week and found that my portal vein was dilated by 1.45. The doctor said it was just slightly dilated, and my liver function tests were normal. My chest X-ray was also normal. My father has cirrhosis, and I'm wondering if cirrhosis can be inherited?Doctor's answer:
Your condition is not primarily due to portal vein widening caused by cirrhosis. There are many reasons for portal vein widening, including physiological, pathological, and congenital factors. Cirrhosis is a manifestation of the liver's repeated damage and repair, mainly involving changes in liver parenchyma. When the portal vein widens as a result, it indicates that the liver's internal structure has changed, leading to portal hypertension. Since your liver function is normal, the primary consideration is physiological widening. In daily life, it is important to pay attention to diet and maintain a cheerful mood to enhance your physical condition and slow down the recovery process.