FAILURE OF SPLENECTOMY TO AMELIORATE PORTAL-HYPERTENSION IN MYELOPROLIFERATIVE DISORDERS

The correct treatment of portal hypertension associated with myeloprol iferative disorders remains uncertain. Splenectomy has been advocated by some to eliminate the forward flow component of the portal hyperten sion and thus reduce portal pressure. The authors describe three recen t cases of myeloproliferative disorder in whom splenectomy failed to a chieve any significant amelioration of portal hypertension, with in-de pth hemodynamic studies in one patient. Based on these experiences, th e authors suggest that splenectomy is not the optimum treatment of the portal hypertension associated with myeloproliferative disorders.