Cavernous transformation of the portal vein: three-dimensional dynamic contrast-enhanced MR angiography.
BACKGROUND
To investigate characteristic features of three-dimensional dynamic contrast-enhanced MR angiography (3D DCE-MRA) and validate its clinical significance for the diagnosis of cavernous transformation of the portal vein (CTPV).


METHODS
3D DCE-MRA, along with subsequent data processing using three-dimensional reconstruction, was performed in 33 CTPV patients. We observed 33 emboli in the portal vein, 29 in the left and/or right portal branches, 18 in the superior mesenteric vein, and nine emboli in the splenic vein.


RESULTS
The main presentation of CTPV on 3D DCE-MRA was the replacement of the normal configuration of the portal vein by numerous distorted hepatopetal collateral vessels, the presence of arterio-portal venous shunts, and the appearance of hepatofugal collateral vessels in the abdominal cavity and wall.


CONCLUSIONS
3D DCE-MRA can be used to simultaneously characterize the portal system and collateral vessels, and can improve the diagnosis and clinical treatment of CTPV.
Wang
Li
L
Department of Radiology, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, 200433, China.
Li
Zhao-shen
ZS
Lu
Jian-ping
JP
Wang
Fei
F
Liu
Qi
Q
Tian
Jian-ming
JM
D003097:Collateral Circulation; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D006975:Hypertension, Portal / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography; D008297:Male; D011169:Portal Vein / Q000473:pathology*; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000150:complications*
D003287:Contrast Media; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA