Color Doppler Ultrasound in Portal Hypertension
Roberto Cannella, Dario Giambelluca, Alice Pellegrinelli, Paolo Cabassa
Abstract
Portal hypertension is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in cirrhotic patients. A color Doppler evaluation of the left gastric vein (LGV) has proven utility in the prediction of esophageal varices and variceal bleeding in patients with portal hypertension. The purpose of this review is to discuss the ultrasound evaluation, imaging findings, and clinical application of Doppler ultrasound in the assessment of the LGV. Knowledge of the color Doppler technique and imaging findings of the LGV may help clinicians improve the monitoring of portal hypertension and predict patients with a high risk of esophageal varices.
Topics & Concepts
MedicinePortal hypertensionEsophageal varicesRadiologyColor dopplerVaricesDoppler ultrasoundUltrasoundDoppler effectPortal veinEsophagusInternal medicineUltrasonographyCirrhosisPhysicsAstronomyLiver Disease and TransplantationLiver Disease Diagnosis and TreatmentHepatitis Viruses Studies and Epidemiology