Sonographic detection of large spontaneous spleno-renal shunts and its clinical significance.
The ultrasonographic findings of large spleno-renal shunts seen in five patients with liver cirrhosis and confirmed by CT and/or portography, are described. These spleno-renal shunts were seen in the left inter- or subcostal sections as transonic, mass-like lesions located between the splenic hilum and the left kidney, and by continuous scanning, they were found to be part of a tortuous, large tubular structure. Oesophageal varices were absent or minimal in these patients, and none of them had ever bled.
D000368:Aged; D003097:Collateral Circulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000098:blood supply*; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011172:Portography; D013154:Spleen / Q000098:blood supply*; D014463:Ultrasonography