CT Diagnosis and Clinical Significance of Cavernous Transformation of Portal Vein

Objective:To study the CT features of cavernous transformation of the portal vein and to evaluate the diagnostic capability of CT.Methods:26 patients with cavernous transformation of the portal vein comfirmed by DSA,openation or US were reviewed.Noncontrast-enhanced CT and contrast-enhanced CT were performed in all patients.Results:The characteristic features included loss of the normal architecture of the portal system and the presence of multiple,sinuous,periportal vascular structures which were enhanced during the portal phase.The transient abnormal perfusion as a homogeneous band in hepatic peripheral parenchyma could be visualized in arterial phase and disappeared in venous phase.Conclusion:CT is a valuable diagnostic procedure to reveal cavernous transformation of portal vein.An understanding of the CT appearances of cavernous transformation of portal vein will allow more definitive diagnosis for the clinic and avoid false diagnosis.