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Diagnosis of Budd-Chiari syndrome: comparison between sonography and MR angiography
1Department of Radiological Sciences, Deaconess Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215.
Insights
Color Doppler sonography and MR angiography are effective for diagnosing Budd-Chiari syndrome. Both imaging techniques accurately identify hepatic vein occlusion and collateral pathways.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Vascular Imaging
Background:
- Budd-Chiari syndrome is a rare condition characterized by hepatic venous outflow obstruction.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for timely management and improved patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the diagnostic efficacy of color Doppler sonography and magnetic resonance (MR) angiography in Budd-Chiari syndrome.
- Evaluate the ability of each modality to detect hepatic vein occlusion and collateral circulation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of Doppler sonography scans and MR angiograms from 11 patients with confirmed Budd-Chiari syndrome.
- Analysis of findings related to hepatic vein occlusion and intrahepatic collateral pathways.
Main Results:
- Both sonography and MR angiography identified hepatic vein occlusion in all patients.
- Occlusion patterns varied, involving one, two, or three hepatic veins.
- Intrahepatic venovenous collateral pathways were visualized in most patients by both methods.
Conclusions:
- Color Doppler sonography is a valuable noninvasive tool for diagnosing Budd-Chiari syndrome.
- MR angiography provides comparable diagnostic information and can be useful when sonography is limited.
Purpose:
To compare findings with color Doppler sonography and magnetic resonance (MR) angiography in the diagnosis of Budd-Chiari syndrome.
Materials And Methods:
Doppler sonographic scans and MR angiograms in 11 patients (five men and six women; age range, 30-63 years; mean age, 45 years) with proved Budd-Chiari syndrome were subjected to retrospective review.
Results:
Occlusion of three hepatic veins was identified in each of two patients, of two hepatic veins in each of four patients, and of one hepatic vein in each of five patients at both Doppler sonography and MR angiography. Dominant intrahepatic venovenous collateral pathways were identified in eight of 11 patients and spider-web collaterals were identified in three of 11 patients at both sonography and MR angiography.
Conclusion:
Sonography enables noninvasive diagnosis of Budd-Chiari syndrome. MR angiography affords similar diagnostic information and may be of value when the diagnosis is not clear after sonographic examination or when body habitus limits a complete sonographic examination.