The inferior end of the esophagus and the superior part of the rectum are potential sites of a harmful portocaval anastomosis.
[1] In portal hypertension, as in the case of cirrhosis of the liver, the anastomoses become congested and form venous dilatations.
[2] A portacaval shunt is analogous in that it diverts circulation; as with shunts and anastomoses generally, the terms are often used to refer to either the naturally occurring forms or the surgically created forms.
Clinical presentations of portal hypertension include: A dilated inferior mesenteric vein may or may not be related to portal hypertension.
Other areas of anastomosis include the bare area of the liver as it connects to the diaphragm, the posterior portion of the gastrointestinal tract as it touches the posterior abdominal wall, and the inferior part of the esophagus.