Portal hypertension associated with hepatocellular carcinoma with cirrhosis.

Portal hypertension associated with hepatocellular carcinoma in the absence of cirrhosis of the liver has not been clearly recognized in the past. While the incidence of this association is unknown, its occurrence does not appear to be rare. This case report describes a 49-year old male with hepatocellular carcinoma, ascites and measured portal hypertension but no cirrhosis of the liver. The portal hypertension was secondary to microscopic invasion of central veins and small portal veins. Hepatocellular carcinoma in the absence of cirrhosis should be added to the differential diagnosis of portal hypertension.