Diagnostic Value of Doppler Ultrasonography in Non-invasive Diagnosis of Chronic Liver Disease and Portal Hypertension

Abstract

Introduction: A number of disorders can affect the hepatic parenchyma, leading to chronic liver disease (CLD). CLD and cirrhosis are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in developing nations and ultimately lead to the development of portal hypertension (PHT). Aim: To assess the portal and hepatic vein hemodynamics in patients of CLD and PHT using Doppler ultrasonography (USG). Materials and Methods: This prospective study was carried out in 50 biopsy and/or biochemically proven cases of CLD. Doppler USG was performed and flow hemodynamics in hepatic veins and portal vein was assessed. Results: Portal vein diameter >13mm was seen in 22.2% cases of CLD without PHT whereas, PV diameter >13mm was seen in 56.2% cases with PHT. Also dilatation of the splenic vein (> 10mm) was observed in 46.9% patients of CLD with PHT. Reduced mean peak portal vein velocity (PVV) was observed in patients with CLD (14.2cm/sec) and CLD with PHT (12.3cm/sec). Altered hepatic vein morphology was seen in 74% cases of CLD. Conclusion: Doppler USG evaluation of hepatic and portal vein hemodynamics is a very useful tool in the non-invasive diagnosis of CLD and can be reliably used to distinguish patients of CLD with and without PHT.

Keywords

• cirrhosis
• endoscopy
• hepatic vein
• portal vein