The objective of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility, usefulness, and efficacy of duplex Doppler ultrasound and color flow imaging (CFI) in assessing hepatic vessel patency, blood flow direction, and quantitative estimation of blood flow velocities, before and after placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPSS). Doppler ultrasound is a reliable method of evaluating vessel and shunt hemodynamics, and is also noninvasive. In this limited study, Doppler provides a noninvasive technique for estimating portosystemic pressure gradients; and these Doppler-derived measurements are correlated to data obtained by angiography, using angiography as the gold standard.
1. Rosch J, Hanafee WN, Snow H. Transjugular portal venography and radiologic portacaval shunt: an experimental study. Radiology1969;92: 1112-1114.
2.
2. Colapinto RF, Stronell RD, Birch SJ, et al. Creation of an intrahepatic portosystemic shunt with a Gruntzig balloon catheter. Can Med Assoc J1982:126:267-268.
4. Mittlestaedt CA. Abdominal Ultrasound. New York: Churchill Livingstone, 1987.
5.
5. Gibson RN, Gibson PR, Donlan JD, et al. Identification of a patent paraumbilical vein by using Doppler sonography: importance in the diagnosis of portal hypertension. AJR1989; 153:513-516.
6.
6. Mc Dicken WN. Diagnostic Ultrasonics: Principles and Use of Instruments. Third Edition. New York: Churchill Livingstone, 1991.
7.
7. Shields SJ, Byse BH, Grace ND: Arterioportal fistula: a role for Pre-TIPSS arteriography and hepatic venous pressure measurements. AJR1992; 87(12):1828-1832.
