Sonographic Evaluation of the Portal and Hepatic Systems

Abstract

Color and spectral Doppler are used to evaluate flow characteristics in the portal and hepatic vessels. On occasion, suprahepatic pathologies are reflected in the flow characteristics of the hepatic veins and transmitted to the portal venous system across the hepatic sinusoids. Few definitive duplex findings are pathognomic for portal hypertension. Evaluation of the portal venous system is analogous to a puzzle. A picture of the processes can only be attained after many of the pieces are assembled.