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A Scherrer

Publications and source records attributed to A Scherrer.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

T1-weighted spoiled gradient-echo MR imaging of focal hepatic lesion: comparison of in-phase vs opposed-phase pulse sequence.

The goal of our prospective study was to compare quantitatively and qualitatively in-phase and opposed-phase T1-weighted breath-hold spoiled gradient-recalled-echo (GRE) MR imaging technique for imaging focal hepatic lesion. Thirty-eight patients with 53 focal hepatic lesions had in-phase (TR = 12.3 ms, TE = 4.2 ms) and opposed-phase (TR = 10.1 ms, TE = 1.9 ms) GRE (flip angle = 30 degrees , bandwidth +/- 32 kHz, matrix size 256 x 128, one signal average) MR imaging at 1.5 T. Images were analyzed quantitatively by measuring the lesion-to-liver contrast and for lesion detection. In addition, images were reviewed qualitatively for lesion conspicuity. Quantitatively, lesion-to-liver contrast obtained with in-phase (3. 22 +/- 1.86) and opposed-phase pulse sequence (3.72 +/- 2.32) were not statistically different (Student's t-test). No difference in sensitivity was found between in-phase and opposed-phase pulse sequence (31 of 53, sensitivity 58 % vs 30 of 53, sensitivity 57 %, respectively). Two lesions not seen with opposed-phase imaging were detected with in-phase imaging. Conversely, one lesion not seen on in-phase imaging was detected on opposed-phase imaging so that the combination of in-phase and opposed-phase imaging yielded detection of 32 of 53 lesions (sensitivity 60 %). Qualitatively, lesion conspicuity was similar with both techniques. However, in-phase images showed better lesion conspicuity than opposed-phase images in 9 cases, and opposed-phase images showed better lesion conspicuity than in-phase images in 7 cases. No definite advantage (at a significant level) emerged between in-phase and opposed-phase spoiled GRE imaging. Because differences in lesion conspicuity and lesion detection may be observed with the two techniques in individual cases, MR evaluation of patients with focal hepatic lesion should include both in-phase and opposed-phase spoiled GRE imaging.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Hepatic cavernous hemangioma: appearance on T2-weighted fast spin-echo MR imaging with and without fat suppression.

OBJECTIVE: The goals of our study were to define the morphologic appearance of cavernous hemangioma of the liver on T2-weighted fast spin-echo MR imaging and to determine if the use of fat suppression may quantitatively and qualitatively modify the MR imaging appearance of cavernous hemangioma. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients with cavernous hemangiomas of the liver were prospectively studied with T2-weighted MR imaging with a fast spin-echo technique with and without fat suppression. Thirteen patients had known hemangiomas for more than 2 years, with no change in size or morphology during this period. The remaining 13 patients had diagnoses based on dynamic CT and sonography and an absence of change in the morphology and size of their lesions during follow-up of more than 6 months (range, 6-12 months) after the MR imaging studies. Values for signal intensity and contrast-to-noise (C/N) ratios in cavernous hemangiomas that were obtained with and without fat suppression were compared. Images were qualitatively analyzed separately at identical level and window settings by two interpreters for morphologic features of cavernous hemangiomas. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between signal intensity values obtained using the fat-suppressed fast spin-echo MR imaging technique (5.62 +/- 1.14 [SD]) and those obtained without fat suppression (5.51 +/- 1.23). Values for C/N ratios obtained with the fat-suppressed fast spin-echo MR imaging technique (20.13 +/- 7.63) were significantly superior to those obtained without fat suppression (16.59 +/- 5.31) (p < .001). On T2-weighted fast spin-echo MR imaging without fat suppression, 100% of cavernous hemangiomas were hyperintense relative to the spleen, 90% had well-defined and sharp margins, 55% were isointense to CSF, and 76% were homogeneous. Without fat suppression, 34% of cavernous hemangiomas showed the combination of isointensity to CSF, well-defined margins, and homogeneity. On T2-weighted fast spin-echo MR imaging with fat suppression, all cavernous hemangiomas showed this same combination of features. CONCLUSION: Seventy-six percent of hepatic cavernous hemangiomas were homogeneous on T2-weighted fast spin-echo MR imaging, and 55% were isointense to CSF. However, only 34% of hepatic cavernous hemangiomas showed typical features. Although fat suppression significantly increased the C/N ratio of cavernous hemangiomas of the liver, fat suppression did not affect their morphologic appearance on T2-weighted fast spin-echo MR imaging.

Female↗
PubMed1997

Non-breath-hold fast spin-echo versus breath-hold fast spin-echo and spoiled gradient-recalled echo MR imaging in the detection of hepatic tumors: correlation with surgical findings.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to compare the sensitivity of non-breath-hold T2-weighted fast spin-echo with and without fat suppression, breath-hold T2-weighted fast spin-echo without fat suppression, and spoiled gradient-recalled echo (GRE) MR imaging for detecting hepatic tumors using surgical findings as the standard of reference. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients with 36 surgically proven hepatic tumors had non-breath-hold T2-weighted fast spin-echo (6000/117 [TR/effective TE; echo train length, 16) MR imaging with and without fat suppression, breath-hold T2-weighted fast spin-echo MR imaging (2700/105; echo train length, 20), and spoiled GRE images (10.1/1.9; flip angle, 30 degrees) obtained before and after injection of a gadolinium chelate. Images were analyzed separately by two independent readers, with disagreements resolved by consensus reading. RESULTS: Non-breath-hold T2-weighted fast spin-echo MR imaging with and without fat suppression depicted 22 (61%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 43-77%) and 20 (56%; 95% CI, 37-72%) of 36 hepatic tumors, respectively. Breath-hold T2-weighted fast spin-echo imaging allowed detection of 19 (53%; 95% CI, 35-69%) of 36 hepatic tumors. Unenhanced and gadolinium chelate-enhanced spoiled GRE images allowed depiction of 18 (50%; 95% CI, 33-67%) and 29 (81%; 95% CI, 63-91%) of 36 hepatic tumors, respectively. Gadolinium chelate-enhanced spoiled GRE images allowed depiction of significantly more hepatic tumors than any of the other pulse sequences. CONCLUSION: Gadolinium chelate-enhanced spoiled GRE imaging is more sensitive than T2-weighted MR imaging obtained with a breath-hold or a non-breath-hold technique.

Contrast Media↗
PubMed1997

Nontumorous hepatic pseudolesion around the falciform ligament: prevalence on gadolinium chelate-enhanced MR examination.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine the prevalence of nontumorous hepatic pseudolesions seen around the falciform ligament on dynamic spoiled three-dimensional (3D) gradient-recalled echo (GRE) MR imaging obtained during i.v. injection of a gadolinium chelate. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The gadolinium chelate-enhanced spoiled 3D GRE examinations of the liver of 103 patients were prospectively analyzed by two readers for the presence of a nontumorous hepatic pseudolesion around the falciform ligament to determine the prevalence of this finding. For all pseudolesions, pathologic examination or follow-up imaging studies excluded true tumors. RESULTS: A total of 15 nontumorous hepatic pseudolesions were found on 13 (13%) of 103 examinations. The size of pseudolesions ranged from 5 to 15 mm (mean, 9 mm). Twelve pseudolesions were located in segment IV, and three were in segment III. On two MR examinations, two pseudolesions (one in segment IV and one in segment III) were found. Fourteen (93%) of 15 pseudolesions were seen during the arterial phase of the bolus injection. All pseudolesions (100%) were seen during the portal phase, and one pseudolesion (7%) remained visible during the equilibrium phase. The presence of true tumors was excluded in one case by pathologic examination and in twelve cases by follow-up imaging examinations. CONCLUSION: Nontumorous hepatic pseudolesions around the falciform ligament are not rarely seen on gadolinium chelate-enhanced spoiled 3D GRE examinations. Thus, recognition of these pseudolesions is crucial because they may be misinterpreted as true tumors.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Can primary kidney clear cell adenocarcinoma be differentiated from kidney metastasis with computed tomography?].

PURPOSE: To determine if CT scan provides morphologic criteria allowing differentiation between primary renal cell cancer of the clear type (PRCCCT) and renal metastasis (RM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty cases of PRCCCT and 20 cases of RM from various origins (excluding lymphomatous origin) were retrospectively analyzed by two independent readers. CT scans were evaluated with respect to tumor size, shape, location and number of tumors, encapsulation, contour sharpness, presence of calcification, and extrarenal involvement by tumor. RESULTS: A tumor size > 3 cm was more frequently seen in PRCCCT than in RM (100% vs 70% respectively, P < .05). Rounded shape was more frequent in PRCCCT than in RM (90% vs 50% respectively, P < .01). Encapsulation was more frequent in PRCCCT than in RM (70% vs 10%, P < .01, respectively). Calcification was depicted only in PRCCCT (35% vs 0%, P < .01). Enlarged perirenal lymph nodes were less frequent in PRCCCT than in RM (20% vs 55% respectively, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Results of our study show that a constellation of morphologic features suggest the diagnosis of PRCCCT rather than that of RM. Our study suggests that calcification is highly specific for the diagnosis of PRCCCT. However, percutaneous biopsy remains indicated to ascertain the diagnosis.

Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell↗
PubMed1997

[Radiological aspects of hepatic tuberculoma. 3 cases].

Localized macronodular tuberculosis of the liver is rare. Tuberculous involvement of the liver is usually a diffuse process. We report 3 cases in which clinical and imaging features suggested the diagnosis of macronodular hepatic tuberculoma which was pathologically confirmed by percutaneous biopsy. In the first case, abdominal CT-scan showed a noncalcified hypodense nodular lesion in segment IV of the liver with an enhancing peripheral rim. In the second case, ultrasound showed 4 homogenous hypoechoic hepatic nodules. In the third case, a nodule was incidentally identified in segment VII of the liver. The lesion was hypoechoic with ultrasound, hypodense without enhancement on CT-scan, and hyperintense on both T1- and T2-weighted MR imaging. After percutaneous biopsy, pathologic examination showed peripheral granulomous lesions in all patients with central caseous necrosis consistent with tuberculosis in two patients despite a negative for Zielh stain. Specific M. tuberculosis culture was positive in the first patient, negative in the second patient, and was not performed in the third patient. Appropriate treatment resulted in disappearance of hepatic lesions on follow-up imaging examinations. These 3 cases show that clinical and imaging features of hepatic tuberculoma are not specific and that percutaneous biopsy of lesions provides a definite diagnosis.

Female↗
PubMed1996

Magnetic resonance imaging of the spleen: influence of the dose of a gadolinium chelate on the degree of parenchymal enhancement.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: We examined how the dose of an intravenous (i.v.) gadolinium chelate (gadoterate meglumine) would affect the degree of splenic enhancement on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. METHODS: Forty patients had breath-hold three-dimensional fast spoiled gradient-recalled MR imaging of the abdomen done before and after i.v. administration of one of four doses of gadoterate meglumine (0.075, 0.100, 0.150, or 0.200 mmol/kg). Peak enhancement values and the time to peak enhancement of splenic parenchyma were compared (values are reported as means +/- standard deviations). RESULTS: Peak enhancement values were 154 +/- 99%, 215 +/- 109%, 276 +/- 170%, and 349 +/- 144 +/- for the doses of 0.075, 0.100, 0.150, and 0.200 mmol/kg, respectively. A high correlation was found between the dose and mean peak enhancement values (R2 = .998), which varied as a linear function of the dose. The mean times to peak enhancement obtained with the four doses were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: Using doses ranging from 0.075 to 0.200 mmol/kg, the peak enhancement of splenic parenchyma is a linear function of the dose of the gadolinium chelate administered. The time to peak splenic enhancement is not affected.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis: a retrospective look at CT staging with pathologic correlation.

PURPOSE: To identify the reasons for the discrepancies between computed tomographic (CT) and pathologic staging of transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis and to develop new criteria to increase the accuracy of CT in staging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT scans of 31 consecutive patients with renal pelvic transitional cell carcinoma were evaluated. CT and pathologic staging were compared. RESULTS: Pathologic staging revealed four stage 0 tumors, three stage I, five stage II, 10 stage III, and nine stage IV. The initial overall CT staging accuracy was 52% (16 of 31 patients). The sensitivity for minimal invasion was 17% (two of 12 patients). Two-thirds (10 of 15 patients) of the misinterpreted cases were overstaged as stage III. Proximal hydronephrosis was present in 80% of overstaged cases (eight of 10 patients). Reevaluation of the CT studies by using proximal hydronephrosis as a criterion for minimal invasion improved overall CT staging accuracy (77%). The revised staging yielded a sensitivity of 83% and specificity of 95% for minimal invasion and improved the specificity for deep invasion (17% to 92%). CONCLUSION: In a patient with transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis, hydronephrosis proximal to the tumor may cause overstaging of stage 0-II disease and may not indicate more advanced disease.

Carcinoma in Situ↗
PubMed1996

T2-weighted spin-echo MR imaging of the liver: breath-hold fast spin-echo versus non-breath-hold fast spin-echo images with and without fat suppression.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of our study was to compare a T2-weighted breath-hold fast spin-echo (BHSE) technique with T2-weighted non-breath-hold fast spin-echo techniques for imaging the liver. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty-three patients with hepatic lesions had T2-weighted BHSE images obtained in 22 sec and conventional T2-weighted non-breath-hold fast spin-echo images obtained in 3 min 12 sec with and without fat suppression. Images were analyzed quantitatively by measuring the lesion-liver contrast, spleen-liver contrast, and signal-to-noise ratios of lesions and qualitatively by evaluating the sharpness of hepatic contours, visibility of intrahepatic vessels and other segmental landmarks, and presence of artifacts. RESULTS: Quantitatively, lesion-liver contrast, spleen-liver contrast, and signal-to-noise ratios obtained with the BHSE technique were inferior to those obtained with fast spin-echo techniques with and without fat suppression (11.2 +/- 7.1 versus 15.4 +/- 10.6 and 14.5 +/- 9.8, p < .001; 5.3 +/- 3.7 versus 8.7 +/- 3.5 and 7.0 +/- 3.8, p < .001; 16.2 +/- 8.2 versus 20.1 +/- 10.9 and 19.7 +/- 9.5, p < .01, respectively; Student's t test). Qualitatively, image artifacts and intrahepatic vessel depiction on BHSE images were similar to those obtained with the fast spin-echo techniques. The BHSE technique was superior to fat-suppressed fast spin-echo technique for showing hepatic contours (p < .01; Wilcoxon signed-rank test). CONCLUSION: The BHSE technique is quantitatively inferior to non-breath-hold fast spin-echo techniques. However, further studies with a surgical standard of reference are needed to compare the three techniques in terms of sensitivity.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1996

Detection of focal hepatic lesions with MR imaging: prospective comparison of T2-weighted fast spin-echo with and without fat suppression, T2-weighted breath-hold fast spin-echo, and gadolinium chelate-enhanced 3D gradient-recalled imaging.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare breath-hold three-dimensional (3D) rapid gradient-echo (GRE) MR imaging obtained before and after gadolinium chelate injection with T2-weighted fast spin-echo and T2-weighted breath-hold fast spin-echo (BHFSE) MR imaging in the detection of focal hepatic masses. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fifty-three patients with 108 focal hepatic masses had, prospectively, MR of the liver at 1.5 T. T2-weighted fast spin-echo (6000/117 [TR/effective TE]; echo train length=16; acquisition time = 3 min 12 sec) images obtained with and without fat suppression, T2-weighted BHFSE (2700/105; echo train length = 20; acquisition time = 22 sec), and 3D rapid GRE images (10.1/1.9/30 degrees [TR/TE/alpha]) obtained during one breath-hold (12 scan locations in 21 sec or 20 scan locations in 32 sec) before and after injection of gadolinium chelate were blindly and independently analyzed in consensus by three readers. RESULTS: Gadolinium chelate-enhanced 3D rapid GRE images allowed depiction of more focal hepatic masses (90 of 108, sensitivity = 83%) than did T2-weighted fast spin-echo with fat suppression images (76 of 108, sensitivity = 70%), T2-weighted fast spin-echo without fat suppression images (74 of 108, sensitivity = 69%), T2-weighted BHFSE images (73 of 108, sensitivity = 68%), and unenhanced 3D rapid GRE images (54 of 108, sensitivity = 50%) (p < .01). No difference in sensitivity was found between the three T2-weighted sequences. CONCLUSION: Gadolinium chelate-enhanced 3D rapid GRE imaging is superior to T2-weighted fast spin-echo images obtained with or without fat suppression for the detection of focal hepatic masses. T2-weighted BHFSE is similar to T2-weighted fast spin-echo images in detecting focal hepatic lesions.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Bronchial anastomotic complications after pulmonary transplantation. X-ray computed tomographic evaluation].

PURPOSE: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of CT in depicting bronchial anastomotic complications after lung transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, blinded review of 105 CT scans obtained after single (n = 17) or double (n = 10) lung transplantation in 27 patients was done by two radiologists in consensus. CT images, were analyzed with respect to the status of bronchial anastomoses, with three possible answers given to the readers: normal, dehiscence, or stenosis. CT features were correlated to bronchoscopic and follow-up findings, which were considered as standard of reference. RESULTS: CT had a 60% sensitivity and 98% specificity for the diagnosis of bronchial dehiscence, and 40% and 99% for the diagnosis of anastomotic stenosis. One case of bronchial disruption was diagnosed on CT scan only and subsequently confirmed by repeated bronchoscopy. CONCLUSION: In our study, CT has a low sensitivity but a high specificity in the detection of bronchial anastomotic complications after lung transplantation. However, CT remains useful in some cases, as it can show complications not seen bronchoscopically.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

MR diagnosis of hepatic metastases from neuroendocrine tumors versus hemangiomas: relative merits of dynamic gadolinium chelate-enhanced gradient-recalled echo and unenhanced spin-echo images.

OBJECTIVE: Hepatic metastases from neuroendocrine tumors are often markedly hyperintense on unenhanced T2-weighted MR images, making their appearance similar to that of cavernous hemangiomas. In contrast, cavernous hemangiomas show characteristic enhancement on dynamic gadolinium chelate-enhanced gradient-recalled echo MR images. The purpose of this study was to determine the relative merits of dynamic gadolinium chelate-enhanced gradient-recalled echo MR imaging versus MR imaging with unenhanced spin-echo pulse sequences for distinguishing between hepatic metastases from neuroendocrine tumors and cavernous hemangiomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The unenhanced spin-echo and dynamic gradient-recalled echo MR images obtained after IV administration of a gadolinium chelate in 28 patients (14 patients with pathologically proven hepatic metastases from neuroendocrine tumors and 14 patients with hepatic cavernous hemangiomas) were reviewed blindly and independently by three interpreters. Unenhanced spin-echo and dynamic gadolinium chelate-enhanced gradient-recalled echo MR images were compared for accuracy in characterizing liver lesions. RESULTS: The most intense enhancement of hepatic metastases from neuroendocrine tumors was observed on early dynamic gadolinium chelate-enhanced gradient-recalled echo MR images; enhancement was peripheral in four patients, global and heterogeneous in seven patients, and global and homogeneous in three patients. On late dynamic gadolinium chelate-enhanced gradient-recalled echo MR images, enhancement of hepatic metastases from neuroendocrine tumors was predominantly peripheral in five patients, global and heterogeneous in five patients, and global and homogeneous in four patients. Differentiation between cavernous hemangiomas and hepatic metastases from neuroendocrine tumors was impossible in five cases with unenhanced spin-echo MR imaging alone, in five cases with dynamic gadolinium chelate-enhanced gradient-recalled echo MR imaging alone, and in no case with the combination of unenhanced spin-echo MR imaging and dynamic gadolinium chelate-enhanced gradient-recalled echo MR imaging. In comparison with unenhanced spin-echo MR imaging alone or dynamic gadolinium chelate-enhanced gradient-recalled echo MR imaging alone, the combination of unenhanced spin-echo MR imaging and dynamic gadolinium chelate-enhanced gradient-recalled echo MR imaging allowed significantly (p < .001) clearer differentiation between hepatic metastases from neuroendocrine tumors and cavernous hemangiomas. CONCLUSIONS: Early enhancement and heterogeneity on dynamic gadolinium chelate-enhanced gradient-recalled echo MR images are the most common features of hepatic metastases from neuroendocrine tumors. The combination of unenhanced spin-echo and dynamic gadolinium chelate-enhanced gradient-recalled echo MR images allows more accurate characterization of hepatic metastases from neuroendocrine tumors and clearer differentiation from cavernous hemangiomas.

Abdominal Neoplasms↗
PubMed1995

Imaging of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: 1. Peripheral cholangiocarcinoma.

Cholangiocarcinoma is the second most common primary hepatic malignant tumor after hepatocellular carcinoma, accounting for 5-30% of all primary hepatic malignant tumors [1]. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas can be classified as peripheral cholangiocarcinoma, which originates from an interlobular biliary duct, or as hilar cholangiocarcinoma, which originates from a main hepatic duct or from the bifurcation of the common hepatic duct. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas account for only about half of cholangiocarcinomas, and this pictorial essay focuses only on the peripheral form of the disease. Clinically, therapeutically, and radiologically, these two types of cholangiocarcinomas differ. Features suggestive of the diagnosis of peripheral cholangiocarcinoma can be shown by sonography, CT, and MR imaging. Cholangiography and angiography have a limited role in evaluating this neoplasm that manifests as a focal mass. This essay reviews the appearances of peripheral cholangiocarcinoma and discusses the various imaging techniques that can be used to evaluate this unusual tumor that is often resectable and potentially curable.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Imaging of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: 2. Hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma (also called Klatskin's tumor) is more common than peripheral cholangiocarcinoma. Sonography, CT, MR imaging, angiography, and cholangiography can suggest the diagnosis, but the major issue of imaging with this tumor is to determine whether the tumor is resectable. The anatomic location of hilar cholangiocarcinoma makes resection difficult, so that surgical exploration of patients with this condition should be undertaken only when preoperative evaluation has shown a potential for curative resection. Preoperative assessment of resectability of hilar cholangiocarcinoma is often extensive, requiring several types of imaging. This pictorial essay reviews the imaging features of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. The role of imaging in the preoperative planning, with specific emphasis on staging extent of disease, including hepatic and vascular involvement, is discussed and illustrated.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-2 in patients with monocytic leukemia.

Plasma and tumor cells from 103 patients with leukemia or lymphoma at initial presentation were investigated for the presence of plasminogen activator inhibitor-2 (PAI-2) antigen, a potent inhibitor of urokinase. PAI-2 was detected in plasma and leukemic cells of the 21 patients with leukemia having a monocytic component [acute myelomonocytic (M4), acute monoblastic (M5), and chronic myelomonocytic leukemias], and in the three patients with acute undifferentiated myeloblastic leukemia (M0). In contrast, this serine protease inhibitor was undetectable in 79 patients with other subtypes of acute myeloid leukemia or other hematological malignancies. Serial serum PAI-2 determinations in 16 patients with acute leukemia at presentation, during therapy, remission, and relapse revealed that in the five patients with M4-M5, elevated PAI-2 levels rapidly normalized under therapy and during remission, but increased again in the patients with a relapse associated with an M4-M5 phenotype. Thus, PAI-2 seems to be a marker highly specific for the active stages of monocytic leukemia, i.e. presentation and relapse. The presence of PAI-2 in the plasma and cells of patients with M0 may give a clue to a monocytic origin of these cells.

Antigens, Neoplasm↗
PubMed1990

Comparison between ultrasonographic signs and the degree of portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis.

The sensitivity of ultrasonography (US) for the diagnosis of portal hypertension was assessed in 48 patients with known cirrhosis. These results were compared to the hemodynamic values obtained on the same day by hepatic vein catheterization. The sensitivity of US in detecting portal hypertension was about 40% considering either a greater than 13 mm diameter of the portal vein, or the lack of mild caliber variation of the superior mesenteric vein. The sensitivity was more than 80% considering the presence of portosystemic venous collaterals. Presence of numerous portosystemic shunts was significantly associated with high hepatic venous pressure gradients which reflected the severity of portal hypertension.

Female↗