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Measurement of the Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient and Transjugular Liver Biopsy
Published on: June 18, 2020
Intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunts: radiological evaluation.
Ioannis Tsitouridis1, Charalabos Sotiriadis, Michael Michaelides
1Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.
Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology (Ankara, Turkey)
|September 4, 2009
Summary
Intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunts (IPSVS) are rare, often asymptomatic vascular abnormalities. Imaging can incidentally detect these shunts, requiring radiologist awareness.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Vascular Imaging
- Hepatology
Background:
- Intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunts (IPSVS) are uncommon vascular malformations.
- These shunts typically connect the portal vein to systemic veins within the liver.
- While often asymptomatic, they can be incidentally discovered during imaging studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the imaging characteristics of intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunts (IPSVS).
- To assess IPSVS in a cohort of asymptomatic patients.
- To highlight the incidental detection of IPSVS.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 8 patients diagnosed with IPSVS between 2002 and 2008.
- Diagnosis confirmed using ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging.
- Review of imaging findings and patient histories, including those with liver cirrhosis.
Main Results:
- Most IPSVS were identified in the right lobe of the liver (7/8 cases).
- Park's classification was used to categorize shunt types.
- Type III shunts were most prevalent (5/8 patients), followed by Type I (3/8 patients).
Conclusions:
- Intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunts (IPSVS) are rare and typically asymptomatic vascular abnormalities.
- Radiologists should recognize IPSVS as potential incidental findings during imaging.
- Awareness of IPSVS is crucial for accurate diagnosis and patient management.
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