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Doppler study of hepatic vein in cirrhotic patients: correlation with liver dysfunction and hepatic hemodynamics

K-C Sudhamshu1, Shoiichi Matsutani, Hitoshi Maruyama

  • 1Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, Bir Hospital, National Academy of Medical Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal. sudhamshu@hotmail.com

World Journal of Gastroenterology
|September 29, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Doppler measurements of the hepatic vein in liver cirrhosis patients show significantly higher mean velocities compared to controls. This velocity increase correlates with cirrhosis severity and ascites, suggesting its utility in assessing liver disease progression.

Area of Science:

  • Medical imaging
  • Hepatology
  • Cardiovascular physiology

Background:

  • Liver cirrhosis significantly alters hepatic hemodynamics.
  • Assessing the severity of liver dysfunction and its impact on circulation is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the diagnostic significance of hepatic vein Doppler measurements in liver cirrhosis.
  • To correlate these measurements with liver dysfunction and hemodynamic changes.

Main Methods:

  • Doppler ultrasonography was performed on 100 cirrhotic patients and 60 controls.
  • Hepatic vein, portal trunk, portal vein, and hepatic artery flow velocities were measured.
  • Hepatic vein waveforms were classified, and mean flow velocity was analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Mean hepatic vein velocity was significantly elevated in cirrhotic patients (12.7 cm/s) versus controls (5.1-6.2 cm/s).
  • Higher velocities correlated with poorer cirrhosis grade and increased ascites.
  • Significant correlation found between right portal flow and mean hepatic vein velocity (r=0.687).

Conclusions:

  • Hepatic vein Doppler velocity, measured during normal respiration, is independent of liver dysfunction.
  • Mean hepatic vein velocity serves as a valuable indicator of altered hepatic circulation in cirrhosis.
  • This measurement can be a novel parameter for assessing liver cirrhosis progression.
Abstract

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