Budd-Chiari syndrome: Radiologic findings

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Hepatology
• Vascular Imaging

Background:

• Budd-Chiari syndrome is a rare condition characterized by obstruction of hepatic venous outflow.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for timely management and improved patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the diagnostic capabilities of various radiological imaging modalities for Budd-Chiari syndrome.
• To highlight the role of imaging in assessing disease severity and guiding treatment decisions.

Main Methods:

• Review of diagnostic criteria and imaging findings across ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• Discussion of hepatic venography and pressure measurements for surgical planning.

Main Results:

• Radiological imaging, including ultrasonography, CT, and MRI, can diagnose Budd-Chiari syndrome without liver biopsy.
• Imaging demonstrates hepatic vein and/or inferior vena cava occlusion, caudate lobe hypertrophy, and assesses hepatic perfusion.
• Hepatic venography shows a characteristic spiderweb pattern; pressure measurements guide shunt surgery success.

Conclusions:

• Radiological imaging is sufficient for diagnosing Budd-Chiari syndrome.
• Advanced imaging techniques provide comprehensive assessment of vascular obstruction and hepatic perfusion.
• Pressure measurements are vital for determining the efficacy of surgical portosystemic shunts.