Variability of hepatic vein Doppler tracings in normal subjects

A prospective study was undertaken to determine the variability of hepatic vein Doppler waveforms in normal subjects. Seventy-five patients without liver or heart disease underwent Doppler examination of the middle hepatic vein. Normal triphasic tracings were observed in 68 subjects, while flattened tracings were observed in seven subjects. In addition, in four of the seven subjects with flattened tracings, an increase in pulsatility was seen during prolonged inspiration. We conclude that there is variability of hepatic vein tracings in normal subjects and that respiratory maneuvers can alter these tracings.