Portal vein parameters in Egyptian patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a severe complication of cirrhosis and the role of portal hypertension in the development of SBP has been suggested. This study assessed the portal vein (PV) haemodynamic changes in patients with SBP. The study was conducted on 20 ascitic patients with SBP (GI), 20 ascitic patients without SBP (GII), 20 cirrhotic patients without ascites (GIII) and 20 healthy cross-matched controls (GIV). All groups were subjected to complete clinical assessment and routine laboratory investigations. Portal vein diameter, velocity and congestion index (CI) were assessed by Doppler ultrasound. The results showed no significant difference between SBP patients and ascitic patients without SBP as regard PV diameter, velocity or CI. Portal vein diameter was significantly wider in patients with SBP (14.9 +/- 2.08 mm) and cirrhotic ascites (14.15 +/- 2.3) than normal persons (10.55 +/- 2.24 mm) or cirrhotic compensated patients (13.15 +/- 1.6 mm). The mean velocity of PV was significantly lower in patients with SBP (10.4 +/- 2.11) and ascites (10.7 +/- 2.22) than normal persons (15.35 +/- 2.08) or cirrhotic compensated patients (14 +/- 2.6), with no significant difference between controls and cirrhotic compensated patients. The CI of PV was significantly higher in patients with SBP (0.1825 +/- 0.036) and ascites (0.1743 +/- 0.051) than controls (0.05 +/- 0.050) or cirrhotic compensated patients (0.0955 +/- 0.091). Cirrhotic compensated patients showed significantly wider PV (13.15 +/- 1.6) and higher congestion index (0.0955 +/- 0.091) than normal persons (10.55 +/- 2.24 and 0.05 +/- 0.050 respectively).