Journal of Liver

Abstract

Is Liver Disease Caused by Increased Pressure? Interstitial Pressure as a Causative Mechanism in Carcinogenesis and in the Differential Blood Supply in Liver Tumors from the Hepatic Artery

Laurent Schwartz and Douglas Coldwell

Background: Inflammation has been noted to occur due to increased interstitial pressure. This same interstitial pressure in the liver is likely the cause of tumors receiving their blood supply primarily from the hepatic artery. Aim: The aim of the present study was to explore whether the same interstitial pressure in the liver is likely the cause of liver tumors receiving their blood supply primarily from the hepatic artery. Methods: Interstitial pressures were measured in normal and tumor parenchyma during the performance of liver biopsies. Results: The interstitial pressures in the tumors were significantly higher than the interstitial pressure in normal tissues and these pressures were high enough that only arterial blood flow could supply them. Conclusion: The interstitial pressure is the cause of the blood supply difference between normal and tumor parenchyma. This increased interstitial pressure may represent a carcinogenic agent.