Doppler sonographic findings in children with idiopathic portal vein cavernous deformity and variceal hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the flow patterns in the portal vascular territory in children with portal vein cavernous deformity. METHODS: The study included 12 children (age 4-10 years) with hematemesis, melena, or both in whom B-mode gray scale sonography revealed small anechoic spaces replacing the site of the portal vein. The portal vein cavernous deformity was present either alone (in 8 patients) or with congenital hepatic fibrosis (in 4). Doppler sonography (color and spectral) was performed to assess the flow in the portal vascular territory, splenic vein, intrasplenic veins, and abdominal collaterals. RESULTS: Doppler sonography confirmed the venous flow waveform in the cavernous portal vein in all children with normal flow direction in the few intrahepatic portal vein branches and also in the intrahepatic veins. Splenomegaly was present in all. The intrasplenic veins were dilated in all but had normal flow direction except in 2 with spontaneous trans-splenic shunts. Gallbladder varices were shown in 4 patients, and perisplenic collaterals were shown in 3. CONCLUSIONS: Doppler sonography is a valuable noninvasive imaging technique for assessment of the portal hemodynamic profile in patients with portal vein cavernous deformity, which can affect subsequent treatment decision making. Trans-splenic shunts are uncommon, but this Doppler sonographic report documents such shunts in children with portal hypertension.     

彩色多普勒超声在诊断自发性脾肾分流中的应用

目的　探讨自发性脾肾分流的超声表现及彩色多普勒超声在诊断自发性脾肾分流中的价值。方法　运用彩色多普勒超声对 18例经临床证实的肝硬化门脉高压伴自发性脾肾分流的患者进行研究 ,并与 12例肝硬化门脉高压不伴自发性脾肾分流的患者进行对照。结果　 18例自发性脾肾分流的患者中 ,11例患者脾静脉与左肾静脉间可见交通支形成。 14例患者脾静脉呈离肝血流 ,3例呈双向血流 ,1例为向肝血流。脾门区脾静脉曲张例数较对照组明显增多 (P<0 .0 1) ,左肾静脉较对照组明显增宽 (P<0 .0 1)。左肾静脉血流速度较对照组明显增快 (P<0 .0 1)。结论　彩色多普勒超声能较好地显示脾肾静脉间交通支及其血流动力学的变化 ,可为临床提供可靠的诊断依据 ,是诊断脾肾静脉分流的好方法     

Comparison between ultrasonographic signs and the degree of portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis

The sensitivity of ultrasonography (US) for the diagnosis of portal hypertension was assessed in 48 patients with known cirrhosis. These results were compared to the hemodynamic values obtained on the same day by hepatic vein catheterization. The sensitivity of US in detecting portal hypertension was about 40% considering either a > 13 mm diameter of the portal vein, or the lack of mild caliber variation of the superior mesenteric vein. The sensitivity was more than 80% considering the presence of portosystemic venous collaterals. Presence of numerous portosystemic shunts was significantly associated with high hepatic venous pressure gradients which reflected the severity of portal hypertension.     

Utility and limitations of splanchnic venous ultrasonography in diagnosis of portal hypertension

The splanchnic venous system was examined by real-time ultrasonography in 46 patients with cirrhosis and documented portal hypertension and in 32 healthy subjects. Patients with portal hypertension had increased diameter of the splanchnic (portal, splenic, and superior mesenteric) veins (76% of patients), attenuation of the normal inspiratory increase in vein size (59%), and demonstrable portasystemic collateral vessels (umbilical or coronary veins or spontaneous splenorenal shunt) (44%). Splanchnic venous dimensions were significantly increased and changed less with respiration in patients with demonstrable portasystemic collaterals as compared to patients without these vessels. Portal pressure correlated only mildly with portal vein diameter (r = 0.30, p less than 0.05). Ultrasound abnormalities are present in a majority of patients with intrahepatic portal hypertension. However, because increased venous diameter and attenuated change in diameter with respiration are less frequent in patients lacking demonstrable portasystemic collaterals, the sensitivity of the test is least in those patients in whom its specificity is also limited.     

Portosystemic collateral shunts originating from the left portal veins in portal hypertension: demonstration by color Doppler flow imaging.

Color Doppler flow imaging was performed in 121 patients with portal hypertension. Portosystemic collateral shunts originating from the left portal veins were seen in 41 of the patients. A single collateral shunt was seen in 27 of these, and multiple collateral shunts were seen in the other 14. Collateral shunts running in the ligamentum teres were seen in 26 of the 41 patients; the veins ran through the liver parenchyma in 25 of these. B-mode ultrasound imaging could not clearly demonstrate vascular structures in 55% of the collateral shunts. Color Doppler flow imaging provided a clear picture of the course of the portosystemic collateral shunts originating from the left portal vein.     

肝硬化门静脉高压时脾、胃-肾静脉分流的超声诊断

目的探讨肝硬化门静脉高压时自发性脾、胃-肾静脉分流的彩色多普勒超声（CDFI）表现及其在诊断中的应用价值。方法回顾性分析门静脉高压时自发性脾、胃-肾静脉分流的21例CDFI图像特征。结果（1）自发性脾、胃-肾静脉分流声像图特点是脾、胃区与左肾之间异常走行的迂曲管道,频谱多普勒示其内血流为类似门静脉样频谱,动态观察可见其与左肾静脉相通;（2）在分流支较为粗大时可有间接的声像图表现：肝侧脾静脉内为离肝血流信号;左肾静脉内径增宽、血流速度增快及频谱形态改变。结论门静脉高压时自发性脾、胃-肾静脉分流具有典型的CDFI图像,可作为超声诊断的重要依据。     

肝硬化食管静脉曲张破裂出血患者门静脉血流参数的变化

目的 探讨彩色多普勒超声预测肝硬化门静脉高压症(cirrhotic portal hypertension)患者食管静脉曲张破裂出血的应用价值.方法 肝硬化门静脉高压症患者81例,根据有无出血史分为出血组(36例),非出血组(45例).应用彩色多普勒超声分别检测两组的门静脉(pv)和脾静脉(sv)内径(Dpv、Dsv)、血流动力学参数并进行对比分析.结果 门静脉和脾静脉的内径、血流速度(Vpv、Vsv)及脾静脉的血流量(Qsv)在两组间差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),但门静脉血流量(Qpv)在两组间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 彩色多普勒超声检测肝硬化门静脉高压症患者门静脉和脾静脉内径及血流动力学参数,对预测肝硬化门静脉高压时食管静脉曲张破裂出血是有价值的.     

Quantitative Doppler evaluation of the splenoportal venous system in various stages of cirrhosis: differences between right and left portal veins

PURPOSE: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the relationship between the splenoportal hemodynamics in patients with cirrhosis and the stage of the disease. METHODS: Patients with cirrhosis were grouped according to modified Child-Pugh scoring into stages A, B, and C of cirrhosis. A control group of healthy volunteers was included. After gastroenterologic clinical and laboratory examinations, all participants underwent a splenoportal Doppler sonographic evaluation in which the vessels' diameter, area, and blood flow velocity were measured and blood flow rate and the congestion index in the splenoportal venous system were calculated. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients with cirrhosis (25 women and 50 men) were enrolled; the control group consisted of 30 healthy volunteers (15 women and 15 men) with no liver disease. The mean age (+/- standard deviation) of the patients was 54.4 +/- 14.8 years (range, 13-80 years) and of the control subjects was 47.3 +/- 14.5 years (range, 18-72 years). No significant differences in vessel diameter, blood flow velocity, and blood flow rate were found in the main and left portal veins between the study group and the control group. In the right portal vein, we found decreases in the vessel diameter, blood flow velocity, and blood flow rate, and in the splenic vein, we found increases in vessel diameter and blood flow rate. The congestion index was increased in the main portal and splenic veins but was unchanged in the left portal vein. CONCLUSIONS: Although our data indicate that there is no difference in Doppler sonographic parameters of the main portal vein according to Child-Pugh scores, the hemodynamic differences between the left and right branches of the portal vein may be clinically useful in patients with cirrhosis.     

Hemodynamic response of the left gastric vein to glucagon in patients with portal hypertension and esophageal varices

Flow direction and flow velocity of the left gastric vein (LGV) and the portal vein (PV) were examined by a Doppler sonographic machine in 33 patients with esophageal varices, before and after venous injection of glucagon (1 mg). In two patients with hepatopetal blood flow in the LGV, the flow direction changed to hepatofugal after injection of glucagon. In 31 patients with hepatofugal blood flow in the LGV, a significant increase of flow velocity was observed in the LGV in 18 patients (58.1%) and the changes (26.4 +/- 24.6%) were significantly larger than those in the PV (7.9 +/- 16.0%). The changes in flow velocity decreased in the LGV as the diameter of the LGV and the size of varices increased. In conclusion, glucagon increased collateral blood flow in the LGV in portal hypertension. However, the grade of the response decreased as the grade of portal hypertension increased.     

多排螺旋CT血管成像技术对肝硬化门脉高压侧支循环血管的显示价值

目的探讨多排螺旋CT(MDCT)显示肝硬化门脉高压症侧支循环血管的诊断价值. 方法对肝硬化门脉高压患者23例,使用16排螺旋CT机行上腹部增强CT扫描,采用MPR、MIP、VRT等三维重建技术进行图像后处理,获得门静脉系统血管图像以显示开放的侧支循环血管. 结果显示食管胃底黏膜下静脉曲张20例,食管旁静脉曲张7例;胃左静脉曲张18 例,胃短静脉曲张16例;奇静脉、半奇静脉曲张8例;脐旁静脉与腹壁静脉曲张9例;脾肾、胃肾之间分流7例;腹膜后分流11例.结论 MDCT门静脉系统血管成像技术能良好地显示肝硬化门脉高压侧支循环血管,具有重要临床应用价值.     

彩色多普勒检测正常肝脏慢性肝炎肝硬化的门静脉左右支及脾静脉血流动力学改变

本研究采用彩色多普勒超声对５０例正常肝、１７例慢性肝炎、３９例肝硬化门静脉的右前支，左支矢状段，脾门静脉进行血流动力学测定。结果显示慢肝时脾静脉血流量增大非常显著；肝硬化时左支矢状段血流速度和血流量均显著增大，ＶＬＰＶ／ＶＲＡＰＶ、ＱＬＰＶ／ＱＲＡＰＶ比值明显升高。笔者认为多普勒超声对慢肝患者脾静脉血流量的测定可判断门脉压力升高的程度，间接提示肝损害的程度。ＶＬＰＶ／ＶＲＡＰＶ、ＱＬＰＶ／ＱＲＡＰＶ比值的升高为诊断门脉高压症的重要指标之一。     

Ultrasound detection of unusual spontaneous portosystemic shunts associated with uncomplicated portal hypertension

Seven cases of unusual spontaneous portosystemic shunts observed by ultrasonography in the last 8 months are reported, including cases of coronary vein varicocele and patent umbilical vein; two cases of spleno-retroperitoneal anastomosis; omphalo-ilio-caval anastomosis; superior mesenteric vein-inferior vena cava anastomosis; spleno-renal anastomosis; and spleno-portal anastomosis and anastomosis from the splenic vein to the abdominal wall. One of these collateral vessels was also analyzed by pulsed Doppler flowmetry. The patients were either cirrhotic or had pre-hepatic portal hypertension (resulting from chronic pancreatitis) and gave no history of gastrointestinal bleeding or ascites. Two of these patients had previously undergone surgery for problems associated with cholestasis. In both cases, presurgical sonographic studies were used to guide the surgical procedures in the hope of preserving the anomalous connections. Furthermore, ultrasound detection of spontaneous portosystemic shunts was an important factor in interpreting the clinical symptoms of these patients.     

探讨彩色多普勒超声在TIPSS术后随访中的作用

目的探讨彩色多普勒超声在监测经颈内静脉肝内门体静脉分流术后支架内并发症的作用.方法回顾分析46例行经颈内静脉肝内门体静脉分流术(transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunts,TIPSS)的肝硬化患者 ,共82例次超声检查,检查内容包括支架内有无血流及多普勒信号,支架内最高流速(Vmax ),门脉分支血流方向.结果彩色多普勒超声诊断支架狭窄的敏感性和特异性分别为82.6%(19/ 23)、93.2%(41/44),诊断闭塞的敏感性和特异性分别为100%(12/12)、95.7%(67/ 70).所有82例次超声检查均观察门脉分支的血流方向,支架通畅时45.5%(20/44)出现离肝血流,而在支架狭窄或闭塞时,10.5%(4/38)出现离肝血流.所有超声检查均与X- 线造影对照.结论彩色多普勒超声在判断支架功能时具有较高的敏感性和特异性,可作为TIPSS术后随访的首选方法.     

Portal hypertension exacerbates intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunt and further induces refractory hepatic encephalopathy: A case report

BACKGROUNDIntrahepatic portosystemic venous shunt (IPSVS) is a rare hepatic disease with different clinical manifestations. Most IPSVS patients with mild shunts are asymptomatic, while the patients with severe shunts present complications such as hepatic encephalopathy. For patients with portal hypertension accompanied by intrahepatic shunt, portal hypertension may lead to hemodynamic changes that may result in exacerbated portal shunt and increased shunt flow.CASE SUMMARYA 57-year-old man, with the medical history of chronic hepatitis B and liver cirrhosis, was admitted to our hospital with abnormal behavior for 10 mo. He had received the esophageal varices ligation and entecavir therapy 1 year ago. Comparing with former examination results, the degree of esophageal varices was significantly reduced, while the right branch of the portal vein was significantly expanded and tortuous. Meanwhile, abdominal ultrasound presented the right posterior branch of portal vein connected with the retrohepatic inferior vena cava. The imaging findings indicated the diagnosis of IPSVS and hepatic encephalopathy. Instead of radiologic interventions or surgical therapies, this patient had only accepted symptomatic treatment. No recurrence of hepatic encephalopathy was observed during 1-year follow-up.CONCLUSIONHemodynamic changes may exacerbate intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. The intervention or surgery should be carefully applied to patients with severe portal hypertension due to the risk of hemorrhage.     

64排螺旋CT血管造影评价肝硬化血管改变及侧支循环

目的 探讨MSCTA评价肝硬化肝脏血管的异常改变及侧支循环形成的价值。 方法 对168例肝硬化患者(肝硬化组)及120例无肝硬化的患者(对照组)行肝区三期MSCTA,应用MIP和VR进行重建,并对获得的图像进行对照分析。 结果 肝硬化组和对照组门静脉1级和肝静脉1级血管的显示差异无统计学意义(P分别为0.51、0.08),肝动脉、门静脉、肝静脉分级显示差异均有统计学意义(P<0.01)。肝硬化组肝动脉、门静脉起始部增粗85例,分支纤细、纡曲98例,门静脉癌栓形成9例,海绵变性8例,肝动脉持续显影55例、门静脉持续显影57例;对照组3例肝动脉、门静脉起始部增粗,2例分支纤细、纡曲,4例肝动脉持续显影,3例门静脉持续显影。肝硬化组交通支开放总数258支,其中食管胃底静脉曲张196例(196/258,75.97%),对照组仅2例见腹膜后分流。 结论 64排CT三期血管成像可准确、全面显示肝 硬化血管的异常改变及门体分流,尤其能较早、较全面地显示食管胃底静脉曲张,为临床提供更多可靠的诊断和治疗依据。     

Doppler in hepatic cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis.

Doppler ultrasound and color Doppler are being used routinely in the study of vascular structures of the abdomen, and more particularly the liver. Reports published in the literature to date have shown that all patients with hepatic cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis should be studied in the first stage of their illness and in follow-up by using Doppler techniques. With new ultrasound software and the latest generation of contrast agents, we can obtain a better and more complete vascular study of the liver, which previously could be achieved only with triple-phase CT. Therefore, hepatic cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis, as well as their vascular complications, can be followed up more closely. The vascular complications include flow alterations in the hepatic artery and veins, portal hypertension, portal vein thrombosis, portosystemic shunts, and vascularization associated with liver tumors.     

Intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunts: Color Doppler sonography

Background The aim of the study was to evaluate intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunts (IPSVS) patterns and to determine the role of Color Doppler sonography in the diagnosis and evaluation of related hemodynamic changes in portal perfusion. Methods Sonography and Color Doppler imaging were performed in nine patients with IPSVS. Type and Doppler waveform of the shunt were determined; velocity measurements in the portal trunk and portal branches were studied to evaluate the effects of the shunt on intrahepatic circulation. Computed tomography was performed in six patients, magnetic resonance imaging in three patients, and angiography in two patients. Results The shunt between the portal and hepatic veins was aneurismal in six patients, while localized peripheral shunt with multiple tortuous vessels in one hepatic segment was observed in three patients. The shunts showed continuous low velocity spectral tracings and in the aneurismal shunts a low velocity bi-directional or helicoidal flow was detected. The feeding portal branches and the draining hepatic veins showed anomalous Doppler tracings and alterations of intrahepatic portal perfusion were observed in three cases. Conclusion Color Doppler is essential for proper diagnosis of IPSVS and for evaluation of related hemodynamic changes in portal perfusion.     

Réunion annuelle du Club francophone d’échoendoscopie (CFE), 22 janvier 2010 (sous l’égide de la SFED): nouveautés en échoendoscopie

Linear endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), using the duplex Doppler or the color Doppler, is a promising technology, and many studies have described the specific features of EUS in portal hypertension. EUS is a reliable way for the diagnosis of portal vein thrombosis, which has the advantage of avoiding the use of contrast agents in cirrhotic patients. EUS gives a direct vision of vessels, permitting a detailed analysis (thickness of walls of the vessels, partial or total thrombosis, flow inside the main portal vein, and perigastric collaterals). Azygos venous blood flow, as an index of blood flow through the gastroesophageal collaterals and varices, can be studied by EUS. Many interventional techniques can be developed with EUS (to obliterate gastric varices and to diagnose hepatocellular carcinoma). This tool must probably be used in daily practice.     

Portal hypertension in children and young adults: sonographic and color Doppler findings

Portal hypertension is a relatively uncommon pathologic condition in children and young adults in contrast with older adults. The aim of this study is to evaluate the utility of sonography and color Doppler sonography in the diagnosis of portal hypertension in children and young patients and to evaluate the sonographic pattern of each disease. We reviewed 25 such patients who were younger than 30 years old and obtained the following sonographic findings: (1) liver cirrhosis: (a) multiple intrahepatic venovenous shunts in patients with primary Budd-Chiari syndrome and (b) intrahepatic vascular narrowing and nodular coarse parenchymal texture, with multiple very-high-echo spots along the portal vein in patients with Wilson disease; (2) congenital hepatic fibrosis: marked and developed collaterals, wide periportal echogenic band, and a heterogeneous parenchymal texture comprised of multiple high echoes but without portal thrombus; and (3) extrahepatic portal thrombosis: invisible portal lumen except as an echogenic band. Sonography and color Doppler sonography are very useful in diagnosing these portal hypertensive diseases. However, there are no specific sonographic findings, and the role of sonography is limited to follow-up observation of associated secondary hepatobiliary changes in patients with congenital biliary atresia. Received: 1 May 1995/Accepted: 24 June 1995     

门静脉高压症介入治疗前后血流动力学变化分析

目的探讨肝炎后门静脉高压症的多重介入治疗方法的可行性.方法分析22例部分脾动脉栓塞术和12例行经颈内静脉肝内门体分流术并胃冠状静脉栓塞术患者的彩色多普勒检查资料.结果经颈内静脉肝内门体分流术并胃冠状静脉栓塞术后脾静脉、门静脉管径缩小(P<0.05),门静脉、脾静脉流速流量明显增加,呈高动力状态.部分脾动脉栓塞术后脾静脉、门静脉平均血流速度降低(P<0.05),血流量明显减少(P<0.01).结论经颈内静脉肝内门体分流术并胃冠状静脉栓塞术若与部分脾动脉栓塞术联合运用可缓解门脉系循环高动力状态、降低门静脉压力.