With transmitted central venous hypertension, the hepatojugular reflex is present, unlike in hepatic congestion due to Budd-Chiari syndrome. [msdmanuals.com]

• Asymptomatic

  Most patients are asymptomatic. However, moderate congestion causes right upper quadrant discomfort (due to stretching of the liver capsule) and tender hepatomegaly. Severe congestion leads to massive hepatomegaly and jaundice. [msdmanuals.com]

• Splenomegaly

  Ascites may result from the transmitted central venous hypertension; infrequently, splenomegaly results. With transmitted central venous hypertension, the hepatojugular reflex is present, unlike in hepatic congestion due to Budd-Chiari syndrome. [msdmanuals.com]

• Regurgitation

  Congestive hepatopathy is diffuse venous congestion within the liver that results from right-sided heart failure (usually due to a cardiomyopathy, tricuspid regurgitation, mitral insufficiency, cor pulmonale, or constrictive pericarditis). [msdmanuals.com]

• Heart Failure

  Severe heart failure causes blood to back up from the heart into the inferior vena cava (the large vein that carries blood from the lower parts of the body to the heart). [merckmanuals.com]

• Jaundice

  Clinical evaluation Congestive hepatopathy is suspected in patients who have right-sided heart failure, jaundice, and tender hepatomegaly. [msdmanuals.com]

• Hepatomegaly

  However, moderate congestion causes right upper quadrant discomfort (due to stretching of the liver capsule) and tender hepatomegaly. Severe congestion leads to massive hepatomegaly and jaundice. [msdmanuals.com]

• Suggestibility

  In addition, a high ascitic total protein content (typically > 2.5 g/dL [25 g/L]) plus a SAAG ≥ 1.1 g/dL (11 g/L) suggests congestive hepatopathy (2) and differentiates portal hypertension from cirrhosis. [msdmanuals.com]

Targets underlying heart failure Treatment is directed at the underlying heart failure. Click here for Patient Education NOTE: This is the Professional Version. [msdmanuals.com]