Four-dimensional flow MRI demonstrates portal flow redistribution associated with hepatic function after retrograde...

To quantify portal flow redistribution after retrograde transvenous obliteration (RTO) using four-dimensional flow MRI and to evaluate its association with hepatic functional changes.

This prospective study evaluated portal hemodynamics before RTO and one week afterward using four-dimensional flow MRI. Measurements included hepatic parenchymal flow (HPF), superior mesenteric vein (SMV)- and splenic vein (SV)-derived shunt inflow, and main portal vein wall shear stress (MPV-WSS). Percentage changes in HPF and WSS were calculated. Hepatic function was assessed 2-6 months after RTO. Participants were classified by complete disappearance of SMV- or SV-derived shunt inflow (SMV-0, SV-0). Paired comparisons used the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and correlations were assessed using Spearman's rank correlation.

Twenty-two participants (14 women; median age, 75 years [IQR, 70-81]) completed the study. RTO significantly increased MPV flow (median 8.1 to 12.9 mL/s), HPF (8.0 to 12.4 mL/s), and MPV-WSS (0.95 to 1.34 Pa) at one week (all p < 0.01). Total bilirubin, MELD, and ALBI scores improved at 2-6 months (all p < 0.05). In the overall cohort, %HPF correlated with Child-Pugh (ρ =  - 0.55, p < 0.01) and MELD (ρ =  - 0.51, p = 0.02) improvements. In subgroup analysis, %HPF was associated with MELD and ALBI improvement only in the SV-0 group. %WSS showed no significant associations with hepatic function.

Four-dimensional flow MRI quantified portal flow redistribution after RTO and identified HPF as a clinically relevant imaging marker associated with hepatic functional improvement. Complete SV-derived shunt closure showed the clearest relationship with functional recovery.