Banti’s syndrome /ban″tēz/ [Guido Banti, Italian pathologist, 1852–1925] , a chronic, progressive disorder secondary to portal hypertension. Obstruction of the blood vessels that lie between the intestines and the liver leads to venous congestion, enlargement of the spleen, and abnormal destruction of red and white blood cells. See also congestive splenomegalia, cirrhosis, portacaval shunt, portal hypertension. ▪ OBSERVATIONS: Early symptoms are weakness, fatigue, and anemia. It is associated with splenomegaly, anemia, leukopenia, GI tract bleeding, and cirrhosis of the liver. ▪ INTERVENTIONS: Surgical removal of the spleen and creation of a portacaval shunt to improve portal circulation are sometimes necessary. Because the syndrome is often a complication of alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver, medical treatment includes prescriptions for improved nutrition, vitamins, abstinence from alcohol, and rest. ▪ PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS: The patient requires physical and emotional support to deal with the disease trajectory associated with portal hypertension. If alcohol abuse is an underlying cause, the patient and family must learn to deal with abstinence.
