Role of contrast-enhanced 3D magnetic resonance portography in evaluating portal venous system compared with color Doppler ultrasonography.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the capability of contrast-enhanced three-dimensional (3D) MR portography in detecting abnormal findings associated with the portal venous system compared with the results of color Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS).


METHODS
MR portography findings were retrospectively compared with the results of CDUS examinations in 161 patients, who were suspected of having portal venous system abnormalities. Portal venous vessels were divided into main 5 groups including the main portal vein, its left and right intrahepatic branches, splenic vein and superior mesenteric vein. Imaging findings were classified as normal, occluded, or partially thrombosed. Results of clinical and imaging follow-up examinations including CDUS, MR portography or angiography, if available, were used as a proof of final diagnosis. The potential sites of varicose veins and collateral vessels were also examined by both imaging methods.


RESULTS
Vascular abnormalities were identified in 79 of 161 patients. There was a statistically significant agreement between the results of MR portography and CDUS in evaluating portal venous system (kappa = 0.871, P < 0.05). The sensitivity of MR portography was slightly superior to CDUS in detecting partially thrombosis and occlusion in the main portal venous vessels. In addition, MR portograms were superior to CDUS in the management of patients with portal hypertension by identifying portosystemic collaterals more adequately, and clearly demonstrated portal venous vessels that cannot be visualized at CDUS.


CONCLUSIONS
Results of present study indicates that contrast-enhanced 3D MR portography is well suited and superior to CDUS in the management of patients with portal hypertension.
Cakmak
Ozgur
O
Department of Radiology, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey.
Elmas
Nevra
N
Tamsel
Sadik
S
Demirpolat
Gulgun
G
Sever
Ahmet
A
Altunel
Ekrem
E
Killi
Refik
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001165:Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007223:Infant; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011168:Portal System / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000473:pathology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color
D003287:Contrast Media; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA