Cavernous transformation of the portal vein: three-dimensional dynamic contrast-enhanced MR angiography

BACKGROUND: To investigate characteristic features of three-dimensional dynamic contrast-enhanced MR angiography (3D DCE-MRA) and validate its clinical significance for the diagnosis of cavernous transformation of the portal vein (CTPV). METHODS: 3D DCE-MRA, along with subsequent data processing using three-dimensional reconstruction, was performed in 33 CTPV patients. We observed 33 emboli in the portal vein, 29 in the left and/or right portal branches, 18 in the superior mesenteric vein, and nine emboli in the splenic vein. RESULTS: The main presentation of CTPV on 3D DCE-MRA was the replacement of the normal configuration of the portal vein by numerous distorted hepatopetal collateral vessels, the presence of arterio-portal venous shunts, and the appearance of hepatofugal collateral vessels in the abdominal cavity and wall. CONCLUSION: 3D DCE-MRA can be used to simultaneously characterize the portal system and collateral vessels, and can improve the diagnosis and clinical treatment of CTPV.