Intrahepatic portal-hepatic venous shunts demonstrated by US, CT, and MR imaging

Abstract

Purpose: Radiological findings were investigated in 6 cases of intrahepatic portal-hepatic venous shunt (IPHVS) without chronic liver disease.

Material and methods: Six patients with IPHVS were examined using US, CT and MR imaging. US was performed in all patients and color Doppler imaging in 5 patients. CT was performed after i.v. bolus injection of contrast medium in 4 patients. MR imaging and MR angiography were performed in one patient.

Results: The shunt was present in the right lobe in 4 patients and in the left lobe in 2 patients. The shunts consisted of focally dilated or tubular vessels (1 aneurysmal) in 4 patients, and multiple small vessels in 2 patients. US revealed anechoic structures with various configurations at the shunt. Color Doppler imaging could detect blood flow in various directions in the shunt vessels in 5 patients. CT and MR images showed these abnormal vascular structures in the liver. MR angiography was also useful for evaluating the relationship between the portal and the hepatic veins.

Conclusion: Color Doppler imaging was the best modality for evaluation of IPHVS.