Transhepatic portosystemic collateral pathway via an accessory left gastric vein

An unusual transhepatic collateral was found in a patient with portal hypertension. This pathway originated from an anomalous portal branch that arose from the left portal vein branch, and was considered a venous analogy to an accompanying accessory left gastric artery. A relation between the development of the intrahepatic pathway and variation in the hepatic artery is suggested.     

Focal sparing of fatty liver in segment II associated with aberrant left gastric vein

We present a patient with aberrant left gastric vein (LGV) that directly enters the posterior edge of segment II in the liver. The corresponding area was focally spared of fatty liver. We consider that this aberrant LGV contributed to the cause of focal sparing. This is the first report of the use of helical CT and Doppler ultrasound to depict the aberrant LGV that directly enters the liver.     

Gallbladder varices: A potential collateral pathway in portal hypertension and portal vein occlusion

Varices of the gallbladder were demonstrated angiographically in four patients. One patient who had had a mesocaval shunt developed gallbladder varices as a result of hepatoportal shunting. Three patients had gallbladder varices owing to collateral circulation from portal vein occlusion.     

Imaging of aberrant left gastric vein and associated pseudolesions of segments II and III of the liver and mimickers

We present imaging findings of aberrant left gastric vein (ALGV) and associated pseudolesions and mimickers including metastases and focal nodular hyperplasia. ALGV is formed due to interrupted involution of anastomotic omental veins, and it can drain into left portal vein or segments II and III of the liver as third inflow. Focal fat, focal fat sparing, and perfusion changes can be seen due to the presence of ALGV, which can mimic metastasis in cancer patients. ALGV may also serve as a pathway for direct tumor spread into the liver in patients with gastric cancer. Magnetic resonance imaging can be used as a problem solving tool in the presence of equivocal findings on ultrasonography and computed tomography.Pseudolesions of the liver are a well-known issue and have been reported in the literature. These pseudolesions are caused by aberrant hepatopedal venous flow other than portal venous system, also known as third inflow. Third inflow is most commonly due to aberrant right gastric, paraumbilical, and cholecystic veins (1–3). Pseudolesions caused by aberrant left gastric vein (ALGV) are considered to be a more rare entity (4).The purpose of this study is to illustrate ALGV drainage into the liver and associated pseudolesions of segments II and III of the liver. In addition, we illustrate imaging findings of the mimickers of these pseudolesions.     

Portal vein occlusion or stenosis in patients with hepatolithiasis: observation by multiphasic contrast-enhanced CT

AIMS: To analyze the dynamic findings of multiphasic contrast-enhanced CT in hepatolithiasis and to elucidate occlusive changes in portal veins and other associated abnormalities. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 25 selected patients with hepatolithiasis who underwent various imaging examinations, including multiphasic contrast-enhanced CT. The following CT findings were evaluated in each of 71 hepatic segments: visualization of a calculus; biliary dilation or focal hepatic atrophy of the affected segment; areas that were abnormally enhanced in the hepatic arterial phase; degrees (normal, stenosis, occlusion) of portal vein calibre; and linear delayed enhancement along the bile-duct walls, suggesting cholangitis. RESULTS: On CT, calculi were depicted as a hyperdense structures in 61 of 71 segments (86%). Focal hepatic atrophy, which frequently accompanied CT findings suggesting compensatory hypertrophy of other segments, was seen in 50 of 71 segments (70%). Areas that were abnormally enhanced were recognized in 36 of 71 segments (51%). Stenosis or occlusion of portal venous branches was observed in 59 of 71 segments (83%), including 13 segments with occlusion. Findings indicating cholangitis were noted in 50 of 71 segments (70%). The degrees of portal vein calibre were significantly correlated with the presence of hepatic atrophy or cholangitis. CONCLUSION: Hepatolithiasis is associated with significant rates of stenosis or occlusion of adjacent portal veins as well as hepatic parenchymal changes in the affected area. Chronic deterioration of portal flow may cause these morphological changes.     

Portal vein stenosis and occlusion stenting after liver transplantation in two adults

We report two cases of percutaneous transhepatic stenting of the portal vein to treat stenosis and occlusion disclosed 5 and 18 months, respectively, after orthotopic liver transplantation in two adult patients. If long-term patency is satisfactory, this technique should allow long-term management of portal vein stenosis and occlusion without the use of thrombolysis.     

Aberrant right gastric vein directly communicating with left portal vein system. Incidence and implications

In 3 patients with primary hepatic malignancies, a communication between the right gastric vein and the left portal vein system was recognized at angiography. The right gastric vein entered directly into the left lateral portal veins in 2 patients and into the left medial portal veins in one. Portal angio-CT performed in one patient demonstrated a specific defect only in the left lateral superior area of the liver, consistent with the segmental opacification of the portal vein branch recognized on the angiogram. This rare communication was seen in 3 (1.5%) of 200 consecutive patients who underwent celiac angiography and is most likely an anomaly in which the right gastric vein directly enters the left portal vein instead of the portal vein trunk. When interpreting a filling defect not associated with a mass lesion on portal angio-CT for hepatic neoplasms or the right gastric vein communicating with the left portal vein system on the angiogram, this particular anomaly should be considered.     

Non-bronchial collateral supply from the left gastric artery in massive haemoptysis

Two patients presented with recurrent, massive haemoptysis. Arteriography, including thoracoabdominal aortograms, revealed in both cases large non-bronchial collaterals arising from the left gastric artery. In the first case the nonbronchial collateral supplied the upper left lobe and in the second case it supplied the middle right lobe. Percutaneous embolisation of bronchial and non-bronchial collateral branches has become an accepted procedure in controlling massive or recurrent haemoptysis. Accurate identification of the non-bronchial collateral arterial feeders is essential for successful embolotherapy. Received: 4 November 1999 Revised: 29 May 2000 Accepted: 30 May 2000     

The portal vein as collateral in inferior vena cava obstruction

In five patients with obstruction of the inferior vena cava, collateral flow to the portal vein was demonstrated. Although there are many reports on caval occlusion, only 21 cases with this collateral circulation pattern have been reported. The reasons for this are most likely technical: To demonstrate this circulation, a large volume of contrast medium must be used and, because of the low flow velocity in the numerous wide collaterals, delayed films are also necessary.     

MR-angiographic diagnosis of an aberrant retroaortic left renal vein and review of the literature

MR-angiography is suitable for depiction of developmental vascular anomalies such as an aberrant left renal vein. We report MRA findings of one case of a retroaortic left renal vein and the review of the literature.     

Successful recanalization of a longstanding complete left subclavian vein occlusion by radiofrequency perforation with use of a radiofrequency guide wire

Treatment with radiofrequency (RF) energy can be used to ablate or perforate tissues. The latter involves lower power, higher voltage, and much shorter treatment time, and it is thought to induce much less collateral tissue damage. To date, RF perforation has been successfully used for various cardiac interventions; however, to our knowledge, there has not been a report of its use for peripheral vascular disease. This report describes the successful recanalization of a longstanding occlusion of a left subclavian vein in a 73-year-old woman with polycystic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease undergoing chronic hemodialysis treatment via an upper-extremity arteriovenous fistula. Multiple previous attempts at mechanical recanalization were unsuccessful. Recanalization was achieved by RF perforation with use of a PowerWire RF guide wire.     

Scalp veins as collateral pathway with parasagittal meningiomas occluding the superior sagittal sinus

Summary In 3 cases with occlusion of the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) with parasagittal meningiomas, carotid angiography demonstrated scalp veins as an important collateral venous pathway. The authors believe that occlusion of the SSS is best seen in half axial oblique carotid phlebograms under contralateral carotid compression. Direct sinography is time consuming and troublesome. In the presence of scalp veins as important collaterals, strategic consideration for surgical treatment is dicussed.