Clinical significance of the changes of portal system hemodynamics in patients with cirrhosis

Objective To observe the changes of portal hemodynamics in cirrhotic patients and study the relationship between portal hemodynamics and the degree of upper gastrointestinal varicosity, portal hemodynamics and the Child Puph classification. Methods To compare the parameter of the portal system hemodynamics in sixty portal hypertensive cirrhotic patients and twenty five normal subjects by color doppler. Results Compared to normal control, the diameter of portal vein (Dpv) and splenic vein (Dsv) are significantly wider, the blood flow velocity of the portal vein(Vpv) and the splenic vein(Vsv) are significantly slower, the blood flow volume of the portal vein(Qpv) and splenic vein(Qsv) are significantly increased in cirrhotic patients. Each of the parameter isn't associated with upper gastrointestinal varicose degree. The parameter of splenic vein system hemodynamics and the ratio of splenic vein blood flow and portal vein blood flow are higher in cirrhosis patients with hemorrhage group than without hemorrhage group. Portal flow velocity and blood flow volume are significantly lower in Child Puph C group than Child Puph A and B group. Conclusion The changes of portal hemodynemics are not used to evaluate the degree of upper gastrointestinal varicosity, but the changes of Dsv, Vsv, Qsv and Qsv/Qpv are used to forecast upper gastrointestinal varicose hemorrhage. Vpv and Qpv can reflect the damage of liver function.