Any condition interfering with normal flow of blood to the heart may cause an enlargement of the vessels in the liver. This is part of the serious condition known as chronic passive congestion.

It is the most commonly seen when th heart itself is failing. The patient suffers from shortness if breath, and his liver may be enlarged and very tender. Fluid often gathers in the abdomen as well as in the extremeties. The treatment is the same as for the congestive heart failure.