Spiral CT diagnostic value and clinical significance of secondary cavernous transformation of portal vein

Objective To analyze the spiral CT features of secondary cavernous transformation of portal vein and to evaluate it's diagnostic value of this disease.Methods Twenty one cases of secondary cavernous transformation of portal vein confirmed by operation,DSA or color Doppler sonograpy were reviewed,contrast-enhanced spiral CT was performed in all patients.Results The main CT features included:①stenosis and obstruction of portal vein,②presence of circuitous and dilated vascular structures which were enhanced during portal vein phase along the portal vein in plain CT scaning,③abnormal band-like enhancement in heptic peripheral parenchyma in arterial phase which showed uniform density in portal vein phase.Conclusion Contrast-enhanced spiral CT is a valuable technique for diagnosis of secondary cavernous transformation of portal vein due to it's characters and will direct the clinical therapy correctly.