title: The role of duplex and colour Doppler ultrasound in the follow-up evaluation of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt (TIPSS).
abstract: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt (TIPSS) is an effective means of controlling acute variceal haemorrhage. Shunt occlusion or stenosis occurs in up to 30% of patients within 6 months. It is important to detect these patients and intervene to prevent rebleeding. We have compared non-invasive Doppler ultrasound with the portal pressure gradient (PPG) at portography at 3 month follow-up in 23 patients. All patients with a shunt peak velocity greater than 90 cm s-1 (7 of 17 analysable results) had normal shunt function at portography (PPG < 12 mmHg). Portography may therefore be avoided in this group, although the majority of patients will still require portography for TIPSS follow-up assessment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, UK.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Ferguson
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jalan
authors.forename: D N
authors.initials: DN
authors.lastname: Redhead
authors.forename: P C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Hayes
authors.forename: P L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Allan
mesh_terms: D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D004932:Esophageal and Gastric Varices / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011170:Portasystemic Shunt, Surgical; D011172:Portography; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color; D018616:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex