Portal Hypertensive Enteropathy Diagnosed by Video Capsule Endoscopy: Case Report

Huanay-Martínez D.A.; Alvizuri-Gómez C.; García-Encinas C. · Revista Colombiana de Gastroenterologia (2026) · DOI: 10.22516/25007440.1392

Resumen

Background: Portal hypertensive enteropathy is an uncommon condition characterized by mucosal abnormalities of the small intestine in patients with portal hypertension. Risk factors include the presence of large esophageal varices, portal hypertensive gastropathy and colopathy, Child–Pugh class B or C cirrhosis, and a history of variceal treatment. Diagnosis is established through video capsule endoscopy or deep enteroscopy. Currently, no standardized management guidelines exist, and therapeutic approaches are primarily based on case reports. Case Summary: A 35-year-old male patient with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension secondary to chronic portal vein thrombosis presented to the emergency department with gastrointestinal bleeding. Upper and lower endoscopy were non-diagnostic, while video capsule endoscopy revealed findings suggestive of portal hypertensive enteropathy. The patient was treated with β-blockers and experienced no recurrent bleeding episodes. Conclusion: Portal hypertensive enteropathy should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with portal hypertension, with or without cirrhosis, who present with gastrointestinal bleeding or anemia. In such patients, the use of video capsule endoscopy should not be delayed.

Instituciones: Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia