title: Ultrasonographic Visualization of Accessory Hepatic Veins and Their Lesions in Budd-Chiari Syndrome.
abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the ultrasonographic features of accessory hepatic veins (AHVs) and their lesions in Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS). Three hundred patients with BCS were examined by ultrasonography with multifrequency (3-6 MHz) convex transducers. Sonography was performed 1 to 2 wk before digital subtraction angiography and computed tomography angiography or magnetic resonance imaging. Using sonograms, we evaluated the number, course, diameter, orifice, lesions and hemodynamics of patent and obstructed AHVs. Ultrasonography was superior to digital subtraction angiography, computed tomography angiography and magnetic resonance imaging in revealing AHV lesions and hemodynamics. Dilated AHVs were detected in 227 patients. There were 239 caudate lobe veins in 167 patients and 168 inferior right hepatic veins in 151 patients. Both caudate lobe veins and inferior right hepatic veins were found in 91 of the 227 patients. The inlets to AHVs were located mainly on the right lateral or right anterior wall of the inferior vena cava, and the remnant, on the left lateral wall. AHV lesions comprised mainly septal obstruction and segmental stenosis. The hemodynamics of AHVs varied with the condition of inferior vena cava and AHVs. Ultrasonic examination can reveal AHVs and their lesions in patients with BCS and is helpful in choosing and planning therapeutic approaches.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan City, Shandong Province, China.
authors.forename: Shi-Feng
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Cai
authors.affiliation: Department of Ultrasound, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan City, Shandong Province, China.
authors.forename: Yong-Hao
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Gai
authors.affiliation: Department of Ultrasound, Fifth Hospital of Jinan, Jinan City, Shandong Province, China.
authors.forename: Shuang
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ma
authors.affiliation: Department of Ultrasound, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan City, Shandong Province, China.
authors.forename: Bo
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Liang
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan City, Shandong Province, China.
authors.forename: Guang-Chuan
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan City, Shandong Province, China. Electronic address: yhgaiusdoc@163.com.
authors.forename: Qing-Wei
authors.initials: QW
authors.lastname: Liu
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006502:Budd-Chiari Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003097:Collateral Circulation; D005260:Female; D006503:Hepatic Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*; D054079:Vascular Malformations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Budd–Chiari syndrome; Caudate lobe vein; Inferior right hepatic vein; Inferior vena cava; Thrombosis; Ultrasonography