Abnormal hepatic vein Doppler waveform in patients without liver disease

In patients with liver cirrhosis Doppler ultrasound often detects absence of the retrograde (hepatopetal) flow phase in the hepatic vein, suggestive of an increased stiffness of the liver parenchyma around the vein. This is rarely or never reported in healthy control persons. We examined the frequen...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:British journal of radiology 2005-03, Vol.78 (927), p.242-244
Main Authors: PEDERSEN, J. F, DAKHIL, A. Z, JENSEN, D. B, SØNDERGAARD, B, BYTZER, P
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Biological and medical sciences
Cardiovascular system
Female
Hepatic Veins - diagnostic imaging
Hepatic Veins - physiology
Humans
Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects)
Liver Circulation - physiology
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Ultrasonic investigative techniques
Ultrasonography, Doppler - methods
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Summary:In patients with liver cirrhosis Doppler ultrasound often detects absence of the retrograde (hepatopetal) flow phase in the hepatic vein, suggestive of an increased stiffness of the liver parenchyma around the vein. This is rarely or never reported in healthy control persons. We examined the frequency of absent retrograde flow in a consecutive series of 139 patients referred for abdominal ultrasound. We used state-of-the-art ultrasound scanners, and placed the Doppler gate so that in non-forced end-expiration it would sample the right hepatic vein 4-6 cm from the vena cava. There was no association between the hepatic vein flow pattern and age, sex or body mass index. 43 of 139 studied patients showed absent retrograde flow. Review of the case records revealed liver disease in 26 patients and no sign of liver disease in 17 patients. We suggest that absent retrograde flow in the hepatic veins may be seen not only in patients with overt liver disease but also in apparently liver-healthy patients.
ISSN:0007-1285
1748-880X
DOI:10.1259/bjr/15227254