Ultrasound diagnosis of extrahepatic portal vein obstruction in childhood. The sign of the subhepatic sponge-like mass.
Portal vein obstruction in childhood produces portal hypertension and hepatopetal collaterals surrounding the obstructed portal vein; this is the "cavernomatous transformation of the portal vein" which is a well defined angiographic entity. Clinically findings are the various manifestations of Banti's syndrome, especially splenomegaly and gastrointestinal bleeding. Ultrasonic diagnosis is possible on the associated findings of splenomegaly, normal liver, a subhepatic sponge like mass corresponding to the hepatopetal collaterals. These signs must be sought in the ultrasonic differential diagnosis of splenomegaly in pediatrics.
D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006392:Hemangioma, Cavernous / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011169:Portal Vein; D013163:Splenomegaly / Q000175:diagnosis; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*