Description
In case of a blockage of the portal vein, a mass forms with new and numerous collateral veins linking the portal venous led upstream from the obstacle to the portal venous led downstream; this mass is called a cavernoma.
The cavernoma directs again, although partially, the portal flow toward the liver.
Because the resistance to blood flow in these collateral veins is increased as compared to a normal portal vein, there is portal hypertension.
Thrombosis is the main cause for cavernoma.