Evaluation of flow and structure abnormalities of splanchnic system veins in cirrhotic patients without portal hypertension.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate hemodynamic and anatomic alterations of the splanchnic venous system and the efficiency and safety of color Doppler radial endosonography in the assessment of cirrhotic patients by comparing Child A cirrhotic patients without portal hypertension findings versus a non-cirrhotic group. METHODS: The study was carried out between January 2009 and February 2010; the study population was 38 cirrhotic patients without portal hypertension and 140 control patients. RESULTS: Hepatopedal flow was monophasic in all the control patients; the flow pattern was chaotic and irregular in 8% of the cirrhotic patients; in the cirrhotic patients the portal vein diameter was increased and the flow velocity reduced; no differences in flow volume were observed between the two groups. Splenic vein diameter and flow velocity were normal. In the majority of the Child A cirrhotic patients without portal hypertension, no changes were seen in portal vein diameter or flow volume; in some patients no significant increase portal vein diameter was observed and showed the flow volumes were unchanged. CONCLUSION: Radial Doppler endosonography may be efficient and safe for assessing the splanchnic system.