Blood flow in the splanchnic veins was studied in cirrhotics and matched controls by means of a system that combines a mechanical sector scanner with a pulsed Doppler. The measurements were validated in an in vitro model. Echo-doppler studies could be carried out reproducibly in only approximately two-thirds of cases because of poor echo transmission or incomplete cooperation. Portal blood velocity was significantly reduced in cirrhotics (10.5 2 0.6 c d s versus 16.0 2 0.5 in controls; p < 0.001), but portal blood flow was normal because of enlarged portal caliber. A complete hemodynamic evaluation of the splenic and superior mesenteric veins was possible in only a few subjects. In selected patients the technique may prove relevant in the study of hemodynamic effects of drugs and surgery on portal blood flow. Indexing Words: Echo-Doppler * Liver cirrhosis * Portal hypertension * Splanchnic vein hemodynamics
Real-time ultrasonography (US) is increasingly being used in the evaluation of abdominal organs and vessels. A few recent studies stressed the role of US in the detection of enlarged splanchnic veins as signs of portal However, no data on splanchnic blood flow can be obtained from a conventional US investigation.
Recent technological developments in pulsed Doppler equipment made it possible to obtain a noninvasive measurement of blood velocity in major When combined with real-time US, which makes the measurement of vessel lumen dimensions possible, blood flow can be calculated. This technique has been used successfully for the evaluation of renal blood flow: but very little data are so far available on the portal venous system in normal populations and in patients with liver disease.-
The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of making echo-Doppler measurements of blood flow of the portal trunk. In vivo results were validated by an in vitro study. Problems arising during Doppler measurement of splanchnic vein From the *Istituto di Patologia Medica I, University of Bologna, Bologna, and tSonotron, Milano, Italy. For reprints contact Marco Zoli, MD, lstituto