CT portal venography manifestations of portal collateral circulation in patients with portal hypertension due to cirrhosis

Objective To analyze CT portal venography(CTPV) manifestations of portal collateral circulation in patients with cirrhosis by using a 16-detector row spiral CT scanner.Methods CTPV was performed in 36 patients with portal hypertension due to cirrhosis,the diagnosis was proved by clinical data,hepatic function findings and imaging signs.By using post-processing reconstruction technique,3D images of portal venous system and portal collateral circulation were obtained.Results CTPV images displayed the portal venous system and its collateral circulation stereoscopically.Of 36 patients,left gastric varices were seen in 29(80.6%),lower esophageal varices in 18(50.0%),short gastric or posterior gastric varices in 15(41.7%),paraesophageal varices in 9(25.0%),gastro-renal or splenorenal shunts in 8(22.2%),spongelike transformation of portal vein in 7(19.4%),paraumbilical and abdominal wall varices in 6(16.7%),congenital cavernous in 6(16.7%) and paravertebral venous shunts in 4(11.1%).Conclusion CTPV can well display the site,extent and severity of the portal collateral circulation in patients with portal hypertension due to cirrhosis,which is of great clinical importance for judging the patient's condition,for selecting therapeutic protocols and for estimating prognosis.