Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Contrast-Enhanced Subharmonic Aided Pressure Estimation (SHAPE) Using Ultrasound Imaging with a Focus on Identifying Portal Hypertension
Published on: December 5, 2020
Intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunts: Color Doppler sonography
Anna Maria De Gaetano1, Pierluigi Rinaldi, Brunella Barbaro
1Department of Radiology, A. Gemelli University Hospital, 8, Largo F. Vito, Rome 00168, Italy. adegaetano@rm.unicatt.it
Background:
The aim of the study was to evaluate intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunts (IPSVS) patterns and to determine the role of Color Doppler sonography in the diagnosis and evaluation of related hemodynamic changes in portal perfusion.
Methods:
Sonography and Color Doppler imaging were performed in nine patients with IPSVS. Type and Doppler waveform of the shunt were determined; velocity measurements in the portal trunk and portal branches were studied to evaluate the effects of the shunt on intrahepatic circulation. Computed tomography was performed in six patients, magnetic resonance imaging in three patients, and angiography in two patients.
Results:
The shunt between the portal and hepatic veins was aneurismal in six patients, while localized peripheral shunt with multiple tortuous vessels in one hepatic segment was observed in three patients. The shunts showed continuous low velocity spectral tracings and in the aneurismal shunts a low velocity bi-directional or helicoidal flow was detected. The feeding portal branches and the draining hepatic veins showed anomalous Doppler tracings and alterations of intrahepatic portal perfusion were observed in three cases.
Conclusion:
Color Doppler is essential for proper diagnosis of IPSVS and for evaluation of related hemodynamic changes in portal perfusion.
Related Concept Videos
Portal Hypertension
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System II:Types of Echocardiography
Types of Echocardiography
Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)
TTE is the most common type of echocardiogram which involves placing a transducer on the patient's chest, emitting sound waves to create heart images. TTE is invaluable for evaluating the heart's size, structure, and motion, making it particularly useful for diagnosing...
Ultrasound II: Endoscopic Ultrasound and FibroScan
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS):
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Hepatic Portal System
At its core, the hepatic portal vein is the result of a confluence of the superior and inferior mesenteric veins along with the splenic vein. Each of these veins has a unique role. The superior mesenteric vein is responsible...

