MRI Analysis of Budd-Chiari Syndrome

Objective:To evaluate the MRI in the diagnosis of Budd-Chiari syndrome.Methods:MR features of 24 cases with Budd-Chiari syndrome confirmed by DSA were retrospectively analyzed.FRFSE sequence with T_2WI and fat saturation,FSPGR with T_1WI were performed in all 24 cases in which 12 cases were performed.additional 3D dynamic enhanced MR.Results:The revelation is as follows:obstruction of hepatic veins (6 cases),obstructon of inferior vena cava (8 cases),mixed obstruction of hepatic vein and inferior vena cava (10 cases),thrombosis in hepatic veins or inferior vena cava (6 cases) .Classify according to stage:acute stage (6 cases),subacute stage (6 cases),chronic stage (12 cases).Hepatomegaly in various degrees occurred in 24 cases,enlarged caudate lobe (20 cases),heterogenous signal intensity of hepatic parenchyma (12 cases);intrahepatic collateral vessels (17 cases);accessory hepatic veins (2 cases);extrahepatic collateral vessels (16 cases);splenomegaly and ascites (16 cases);one complicated with hepatic carcinoma and one with splenic infarction.Conclusion:MR can directly reveal the stenosis of inferior vena cava and hepatic veins,it also can give the right diagnosis and classification.Depending on the characteristic of signal intensity and distribution of collateral vessels,MR is valuable in identifing the different stages and speculating the prognosis.Therefore MR presents an absolute non-invasive technique in comprehensive evaluation of Budd-Chiari syndrome.