Duplex ultrasonography in portal vein thrombosis

Duplex ultrasonography (US) was performed in 23 patients with portal vein thrombosis. In 7 children and 16 adults, duplex US demonstrated intraluminal thrombi (4 cases), thrombus and periportal collaterals (2 cases), and cavernomatous transformation of the portal vein (17 cases). Real-time US is a suitable means of demonstrating the anatomy of the portal venous system; pulsed Doppler provided information on the patency and direction of portal flow. In a few cases, Doppler color flow imaging was used, which was helpful in the examination of branches of the portal vein and the superior mesenteric and splenic veins. Portal duplex US is suggested in selected groups of patients before surgery to demonstrate the presence or absence of portal vein thrombosis.