CT Demonstration of Portal and Superior Mesenteric Vein Thrombosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Three patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in which computed tomography (CT) demonstrated thrombosis of the portal vein are reported. In 1 patient, extension of the thrombus into the superior mesenteric vein was also identified. The outstanding CT features of portal vein thrombosis were enlargement of the vein, intraluminal low density area and hyperdense peripheral ring due to the enhancement of the venous wall. These findings may be useful in differentiating hepatocellular carcinoma from hepatic metastases.