Diagnopein USG PORTAL VENOUS DOPPLER Centre in Karad

Why USG Portal Venous Doppler is Important

The USG Portal Venous Doppler test is essential for evaluating portal vein thrombosis, portal hypertension, or liver cirrhosis. It serves as a primary tool to check the patency (openness) of the veins carrying blood from the intestines, spleen, and pancreas to the liver. Physicians often recommend this test when patients show symptoms such as abdominal swelling, jaundice, or ascites.

This imaging study helps in detecting:

1. Blockage or narrowing in the portal or splenic vein

2. Changes in blood flow direction due to liver cirrhosis

3. Collateral vessel formation (seen in chronic liver disease)

4. Pre- and post-transplant vascular assessments

The Portal Venous Doppler ultrasonography is also widely used to guide treatment decisions in patients with chronic liver disease, portal hypertension, or those awaiting liver transplantation.

Benefits of USG Portal Venous Doppler

Choosing USG Portal Venous Doppler offers multiple advantages:

1. Non-invasive and painless: It does not require any injections, radiation, or incisions.

2. Real-time assessment: Provides immediate information on portal and hepatic blood flow.

3. Early detection: Helps diagnose portal vein disorders before complications arise.

4. Cost-effective diagnostic: Affordable compared to CT or MRI angiography.

5. Safe for all patients: Ideal for continuous monitoring of high-risk liver patients.

Early detection through Portal Venous Doppler ultrasound helps prevent severe complications such as variceal bleeding or hepatic failure, improving patient outcomes and guiding effective treatment plans.

How USG Portal Venous Doppler Test is Performed

Before the test, patients may be advised to fast for 6–8 hours to reduce bowel gas interference. During the procedure, the patient lies on an examination table, and a specialized ultrasound gel is applied over the abdomen.

Using a Doppler transducer, the radiologist gently moves the probe across the right upper abdomen to capture detailed images of portal vein structures. The USG Portal Venous Doppler evaluates:

1. The size and diameter of the portal vein

2. Flow direction (hepatopetal or hepatofugal)

3. Velocity and waveform patterns

4. Any presence of thrombus (clot) or collateral veins

The entire scan typically takes 20–30 minutes and is completely painless. After the test, patients can resume normal activities immediately.

Parameters Measured in USG Portal Venous Doppler

The Portal Venous Doppler ultrasound measures key parameters essential for accurate diagnosis:

1. Portal vein diameter: Normally up to 13 mm

2. Flow velocity: Average between 15–18 cm/s

3. Flow direction: Should be hepatopetal (toward the liver)

4. Splenic and superior mesenteric vein flow: Evaluated for symmetry

5. Waveform pattern: Continuous and monophasic under normal conditions

Abnormal velocity, altered flow direction, or dilated vein diameter often indicates portal hypertension or venous obstruction. These parameters aid clinicians in determining the severity of liver or vascular dysfunction.