Sonography in Budd-Chiari syndrome

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this presentation is to provide an overview of sonographic manifestations of Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS).

Methods: Patients were scanned with ultrasound systems using mainly a 2- to 5-MHz curvilinear transducer and in some patients a 5- to 12-MHz linear transducer. The patients were asked to fast from the previous night or for at least 6 hours. Color and spectral Doppler sonography was performed in all patients.

Results: Commonly seen findings in BCS include inferior vena cava (IVC) webs and thrombi, IVC narrowing, hepatic venous thrombosis, enlarged caudate lobes, ascites, intrahepatic or extrahepatic collaterals, monophasic to absent flow in the hepatic veins, and high flow velocities in areas of stenosis in the IVC or hepatic veins. Inferior vena cava stents used in the treatment of BCS could also be seen.

Conclusions: Budd-Chiari syndrome is an uncommon disorder; outcome is poor in many cases; and the condition is often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed. Sonography is a noninvasive and effective modality for diagnosis of BCS.