Ultrasound in detection of portal venous gas in adults

Three patients with sonographically demonstrated portal venous gas are presented. Two patients were also studied using computed tomography (CT). Both techniques had superior sensitivity compared to plain radiographs. Scattered echogenic patches in the liver parenchyma, and centrifugal flow of echogenic patches in the portal vein and its branches, are typical ultrasound findings of portal vein gas. Evaluation of ultrasound findings and coordination with clinical history differentiate portal vein gas from biliary gas.