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[Results of doppler sonography in normally functioning transjugular portosystemic shunts]
Purpose:
The objective of this study was to evaluate blood flow changes inside normally functioning transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS), using Colour Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) and pulsed Doppler ultrasound (PDUS).
Material And Methods:
In a prospective study 72 patients (mean age 54, range 36-78 years) underwent TIPS placement, portal angiography, CDUS and PDUS examinations. Along the TIPS Doppler measurements were taken at the portal in the central part and at the venous end of the TIPS.
Results:
In well functioning TIPS the mean peak velocity (PV) on the portal side was 39 cm/s (range 22-72 cm/s), in the area of the incoming right portal end, branch 62 cm/s (range 40-109 cm/s) and at the site of the incoming hepatic vein 139 cm/s (range 88-220 cm/s). In the punctured portal and hepatic vein the mean PV was 25 cm/s (range 15-30 cm/s) and 18 cm/s (15-22 cm/s) respectively.
Conclusion:
A velocity gradient between the portal and the venous side of the TIPS is a normal finding, caused by the branches of the portal and hepatic vein, joining the TIPS from the side and is characteristic of a normally functioning TIPS.