While in many cases it is asymptomatic and thus goes undetected – or is only discovered incidentally while investigating some other medical condition – in some people it results in non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH).

[citation needed] Complications of NCPH can include jaundice, ascites, splenomegaly, and bleeding esophageal varices.

[citation needed] The causes of NRH are poorly understood, although it is believed to be related to abnormal blood flow in the small vessels of the liver.

[1] Some cases are known to be caused by treatment with azathioprine, an immunosuppressant drug commonly used to prevent rejection in organ transplantation (especially of the kidneys), and to treat various auto-immune disorders.

Medical conditions associated with NRH include cystic fibrosis,[1] common variable immunodeficiency[1][4] and chronic granulomatous disease.