64-Slice CT in the evaluation of collateral vessels in portal hypertension

Objective:To evaluate the value of 64-slice CT portal venography(CTPV)in demonstrating portal system and its collaterals in portal hypertension.Methods:50 cases of portal hypertension were included in the study and undergone upper abdomen examination with 64-slice CT,image post-processing techniques such as MIP,MPR and VR were applied to display the portosystemic collaterals of portal venous system.Results:CTPV simultaneously depicted fourth or fifth branches of the intrahepatic portal veins and provided images of entire portosystemic collaterals,on CTPV images,left gastric varices were seen in 48 patients(96%),esophygeal and/or fundic varices in 46(92%),paraesophageal varices in 41(82%),shnrt gatric veins or posterior gastric veins in 19(38%),shunt between spleen/gastric-renal vein in 14(28%),abdominal wall and paraumblical varices in 20(40%),retroperitioneal varices in 19(38%),portal sponge degeneration in 8(16%).Conclusion:CTPV can much more clearly demonstrate the collateral vessels in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension.An understanding of the varied appearances of acquired abnormalities of the portal venous system will allow more definitive diagnosis and help avoid false diagnosis of disease,and may play a significant role in marking a clinical treatment plan.