Angiographic abnormalities in partial Budd-Chiari syndrome

Partial Budd-Chiari syndrome was produced in 8 monkeys by obstructing 2 or 3 lobar hepatic veins with a rapidly polymerizing plastic. Hepatic angiography done 1-3 months later revealed crowded tortuous arteries and a dense hepatogram in the lobe with venous occlusion. Unobstructed lobes were hypertrophied. Retrograde injection of persistently patent hepatic veins demonstrated a "spiderweb" collateral system. Retrograde venography to demonstrate this pathognomonic plexus is the procedure of choice when partial Budd-Chiari syndrome is suspected.