Collateral pathways in Budd-Chiari syndrome: CT and venographic correlation

Imaging in Vascular Liver Diseases

Vascular liver diseases (VLDs) include different pathological conditions that affect the liver vasculature at the level of the portal venous system, hepatic artery, or venous outflow system. Although serological investigations and sometimes histology might be required to clarify the underlying diagnosis, imaging has a crucial role in highlighting liver inflow or outflow obstructions and their potential causes. Cross-sectional imaging provides a panoramic view of liver vascular anatomy and parenchymal patterns of enhancement, making it extremely useful for the diagnosis and follow-up of VLDs. Nevertheless, multiparametric ultrasound analysis provides information useful for differentiating acute from chronic portal vein thrombosis, distinguishing neoplastic invasion of the portal vein from bland thrombus, and clarifying the causes of venous outflow obstruction. Color Doppler analysis measures blood flow velocity and direction, which are very important in the assessment of VLDs. Finally, liver and spleen elastography complete the assessment by providing intrahepatic and intrasplenic stiffness measurements, offering further diagnostic information.

CT Findings of Azygos Venous System: Congenital Variants and Acquired Structural Changes

The azygos venous system is a crucial conduit of the posterior thorax and potentially vital collateral pathway. However, it is often overlooked clinically and radiologically. This pictorial essay reviews the normal azygos venous anatomy and CT findings of congenital variations and structural changes associated with acquired pathologies.

Budd-Chiari Syndrome Imaging Diagnosis: State of the Art and Future Perspectives

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is a rare hepatic vascular disorder defined by the presence of partial or complete impairment of hepatic venous drainage in the absence of right heart failure or constrictive pericarditis. Several conditions can lead to BCS, from hypercoagulable states to malignancies. Primary BCS is the most common subtype, and usually bartends hypercoagulability states, while secondary BCS involves tumor invasion or extrinsic compression. A combination of clinical and imaging features leads to the diagnosis of BCS, including (1) direct signs: occlusion or compression of the hepatic veins and/or inferior vena cava, and the presence of venous collaterals; (2) indirect signs: morphological hepatic changes with caudate lobe enlargement; inhomogeneous enhancement, and hypervascular nodules. From a clinicopathological point of view, two forms of BCS can be distinguished: acute and subacute/chronic BCS, although asymptomatic and fulminant forms are also possible. Acute presentations are rare, and symptoms include hepatomegaly, ascites, and hepatic insufficiency. Subacute/chronic forms are the most common presentation, with dysmorphic liver and variable degrees of fibrosis deposition. Patients with chronic BCS can develop benign regenerative nodules (large regenerative nodules or FNH [Focal Nodular Hyperplasia]-like lesions), but are also at a higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The radiologist role is therefore fundamental in both diagnosis and surveillance of BCS. The aim of this review is to present all clinical and imaging signs that can help to reach the diagnosis of BCS, with their clinical significance, providing tips and tricks for the cross-sectional diagnosis of this condition.

Segmental Liver Stiffness Evaluated with Magnetic Resonance Elastography Is Responsive to Endovascular Intervention in Patients with Budd-Chiari Syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To assess segmental liver stiffness (LS) with MRI before and after endovascular intervention in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-three patients (13 males and 10 females; mean age, 42.6 ± 12.6 years; age range, 31-56 years) with BCS as a primary liver disease were recruited for this study. Two consecutive magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) examinations were performed before the endovascular treatment. Fifteen patients who underwent endovascular intervention treatment also had follow-up MRE scans within three days after the procedure. LS was measured in three liver segments: the right posterior, right anterior, and left medial segments. Inter-reader and inter-exam repeatability were analyzed with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Bland-Altman analysis. Segmental LS and clinical characteristics before and after the intervention were also compared.

RESULTS

Within three days of the endovascular intervention, all three segmental LS values decreased: LS of the right posterior segment = 7.23 ± 0.88 kPa (before) vs. 4.94 ± 0.84 kPa (after), LS of the right anterior segment = 7.30 ± 1.06 kPa (before) vs. 4.77 ± 0.85 kPa (after), and LS of the left medial segment = 7.22 ± 0.87 kPa (before) vs. 4.87 ± 0.72 kPa (after) (all p = 0.001). There was a significant correlation between LS changes and venous pressure gradient changes before and after treatments (r = 0.651, p = 0.009). The clinical manifestations of all 15 patients significantly improved after therapy. The MRE repeatability was excellent, with insignificant variations (inter-reader, ICC = 0.839-0.943: inter-examination, ICC = 0.765-0.869). Bland-Altman analysis confirmed excellent agreement (limits of agreement, 13.4-19.4%).

CONCLUSION

Segmental LS measured by MRE is a promising repeatable quantitative biomarker for monitoring the treatment response to minimally invasive endovascular intervention in patients with BCS.

Diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance angiography for Budd-Chiari syndrome: A meta-analysis

In recent years, the role of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in the diagnosis of Budd-Chiari Syndrome (BCS) has been the focus of various clinical studies. The purpose of the present study was to perform a meta-analysis of the diagnostic performance of MRA in patients with BCS by using digital subtraction angiography as a reference method. The search strategy for relevant research articles was based on the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews, and literature databases (including PubMed, Medline and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) and reference lists of retrieved studies published from 2000 to 2016 were searched. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool was used to assess the methodological quality of these research studies by two reviewers independently. Summary estimates of the sensitivity, specificity, positive/negative likelihood ratio (LR+/-), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve of MRA in identifying BCS were obtained. The pooled MRA estimates had a sensitivity of 97.6% [95% confidence interval (CI), 95.1-99.0%], a specificity of 70.7% (95% CI, 54.5-83.9%), an LR+ of 3.163 (95% CI, 2.03-4.94) and an LR- of 0.045 (95% CI, 0.02-0.09). The overall DOR was 94.053 (95% CI, 32.71-270.41). The area under the SROC curve was 0.972. In conclusion, MRA is an accurate modality for evaluating BCS.

Direct Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt in Budd-Chiari Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is an alternative interventional procedure used to manage refractory Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) when conservative medical therapy has failed. However, TIPS is not always technically successful because of hepatic vein thrombosis and inability to catheterize the hepatic veins. In these situations, direct intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (DIPS) with access to the portal vein from the IVC has been shown to be a viable alternative that may ameliorate portal hypertension in these patients. Typically, DIPS involves the use of transabdominal ultrasound to target the portal vein. Herein a case in which a 39-year-old female underwent DIPS without the use of ultrasound guidance is presented. Instead, a hepatic venogram generated using collateral circulation was used to opacify and guide access to the portal vein.

Diagnosis of Budd-Chiari syndrome

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is defined by clinical and laboratory signs associated with partial or complete impairment of hepatic venous drainage in the absence of right heart failure or constrictive pericarditis. Primary BCS is the most frequent type and is a complication of hypercoagulable states, in particular myeloproliferative neoplasms. Secondary BCS involves tumor invasion or extrinsic compression. Most patients present with chronic BCS including a non-cirrhotic, dysmorphic, chronic liver disease with various degrees of fibrosis deposition. Acute BCS is rare, and patients present with hepatomegaly, ascites, and hepatic insufficiency. The diagnosis is based on imaging. Imaging features include (1) direct signs, in particular occlusion or compression of the hepatic veins and/or the inferior vena cava and venous collaterals and (2) indirect signs, in particular morphological changes in the liver with hypertrophy of the caudate lobe and delayed nodule formation. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging are the gold standard for diagnosis. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the role of imaging in the diagnosis of BCS.

Budd-Chiari syndrome: imaging review

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS), also known as hepatic venous outflow tract obstruction includes a group of conditions characterized by obstruction to the outflow of blood from the liver secondary to involvement of one or more hepatic veins (HVs), inferior vena cava (IVC) or the right atrium. There are a number of conditions that lead to BCS-ranging from hypercoagulable states to malignancies. In up to 25% patients, no underlying disorder is identified. Diagnosis of BCS is based on a combination of clinical and imaging features. A major part of the literature in BCS has been devoted to interventions; however, a detailed description of various imaging manifestations of BCS is lacking. In this review, we highlight the importance of various imaging modalities in the diagnosis of BCS.

Detection and characterization of Budd-Chiari syndrome with inferior vena cava obstruction: Comparison of fixed and flexible delayed scan time of computed tomography venography

PURPOSE

To compare the results of computed tomography venography (CTV) with a fixed and a flexible delayed scan time for Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) with inferior vena cava (IVC) obstruction.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 209 consecutive BCS patients with IVC obstruction underwent either a CTV with a fixed delayed scan time of 180s (n=87) or a flexible delayed scan time for good image quality according to IVC blood flow in color Doppler ultrasonography (n=122). The IVC blood flow velocity was measured using a color Doppler ultrasound prior to CT scan. Image quality was classified as either good, moderate, or poor. Image quality, surrounding structures and the morphology of the IVC obstruction were compared between the two groups using a χ²-test or paired or unpaired t-tests as appropriate. Inter-observer agreement was assessed using Kappa statistics.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in IVC blood flow velocity between the two groups. Overall image quality, surrounding structures and IVC obstruction morphology delineation on the flexible delayed scan time of CTV images were rated better relative to those obtained by fixed delayed scan time of CTV images (p<0.001). Evaluation of CTV data sets was significantly facilitated with flexible delayed scan time of CTV. There were no significant differences in Kappa statistics between Group A and Group B.

CONCLUSION

The flexible delayed scan time of CTV was associated with better detection and more reliable characterization of BCS with IVC obstruction compared to a fixed delayed scan time.

Accessory hepatic vein recanalization for treatment of Budd-Chiari syndrome due to long-segment obstruction of the hepatic vein: initial clinical experience

PURPOSE

We aimed to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of accessory hepatic vein recanalization (balloon dilatation/stent insertion) for patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) due to long-segment obstruction of the hepatic vein.

METHODS

From March 2010 to December 2013, 20 consecutive patients with BCS, due to long-segment obstruction of three hepatic veins, treated with accessory hepatic vein recanalization (11 males, 9 females; mean age, 33.4±10.9 years; range, 22-56 years) were included in this retrospective study. Data on technical success, clinical success, and follow-up were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

Technical and clinical success was achieved in all patients. Each patient was managed with a single accessory hepatic vein recanalization procedure. No procedure-related complications occurred. The diameter of the accessory hepatic vein was 8.45±1.47 mm (6-11 mm) at the stem, and there were many collateral circulations between the hepatic vein and the accessory hepatic vein. The mean pressure of accessory hepatic vein decreased from 47.50±5.59 cm H2O before treatment to 28.80±3.47 cm H2O after treatment (P < 0.001). Abnormal levels of total bilirubin, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine transaminase improved after the treatment. During the follow-up, three patients experienced restenosis or stenting of the accessory hepatic vein.

CONCLUSIONS

In BCS due to long-segment obstruction of the hepatic veins, it is important to confirm whether there is a compensatory accessory hepatic vein. For patients with a compensatory but obstructed accessory hepatic vein, recanalization is a simple, safe, and effective treatment option.

Accuracy of computed tomographic angiography in the diagnosis of patients with inferior vena cava partial obstruction in Budd-Chiari syndrome

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The diagnosis of the partially obstructed inferior vena cava (IVC) in Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) patients has received little attention. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of computed tomographic angiography (CTA) for patients with BCS and a partially obstructed IVC.

METHODS

A total of 329 patients with BCS and an obstructed IVC were endovascularly treated with balloon dilation and/or stent placement. All patients underwent a CTA examination prior to endovascular treatment, and the data were retrospectively reviewed. The presence of a round, oval, irregular shape or jet sign low-density area without enhancement within the enhanced proximal IVC was considered a sign of a partially obstructed IVC. Digital subtraction angiography was used as the gold standard.

RESULTS

The results from the digital subtraction angiography revealed a partially obstructed IVC in 108 BCS patients and a complete obstruction in 221 patients. The CTA discovered a partially obstructed IVC in 99 patients and a completely obstructed IVC in 230 patients. From the CTA results, 15 were false negatives, and six were false positives. The patient-based evaluation yielded an accuracy of 93.6%, a sensitivity of 86.1%, specificity of 97.3%, positive predictive value of 93.9%, and negative predictive value of 93.5% for the detection of BCS patients with a partial IVC obstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

Computed tomographic angiography offered a high diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity in BCS patients with a partially obstructed IVC. The low-density area within the enhanced proximal IVC above the membrane in artery phase can be considered a reliable indicator of a stenotic IVC in BCS patients.

Budd-Chiari syndrome: an update on imaging features

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is a rare cause of portal hypertension and liver failure. This condition is characterized by an impaired hepatic venous drainage. The diagnosis of BCS is based on imaging, which helps initiate treatment. Imaging findings can be categorized into direct and indirect signs. Direct signs are the hallmarks of BCS and consist of visualization of obstructive lesions of the hepatic veins or the upper portion of the inferior vena cava. Indirect signs, which are secondary to venous obstruction, correspond to intra- and extrahepatic collateral circulation, perfusion abnormalities, dysmorphy and signs of portal hypertension.

Imaging Diagnosis of Splanchnic Venous Thrombosis

Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) is a broad term that includes Budd-Chiari syndrome and occlusion of veins that constitute the portal venous system. Due to the common risk factors involved in the pathogenesis of these clinically distinct disorders, concurrent involvement of two different regions is quite common. In acute and subacute SVT, the symptoms may overlap with a variety of other abdominal emergencies while in chronic SVT, the extent of portal hypertension and its attendant complications determine the clinical course. As a result, clinical diagnosis is often difficult and is frequently reliant on imaging. Tremendous improvements in vascular imaging in recent years have ensured that this once rare entity is being increasingly detected. Treatment of acute SVT requires immediate anticoagulation. Transcatheter thrombolysis or transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt is used in the event of clinical deterioration. In cases with peritonitis, immediate laparotomy and bowel resection may be required for irreversible bowel ischemia. In chronic SVT, the underlying cause should be identified and treated. The imaging manifestations of the clinical syndromes resulting from SVT are comprehensively discussed here along with a brief review of the relevant clinical features and therapeutic approach.

Pulmonary edema after laparoscopic hepatectomy in a patient with Budd-Chiari syndrome-associated hepatocellular carcinoma

An 84-year-old man diagnosed with Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) developed a 20-mm hepatocellular carcinoma. We performed laparoscopic hepatectomy without complications, but the patient's percutaneous oxygen saturation gradually worsened and pulmonary edema was detected 50 minutes after extubation. He was subsequently re-intubated and received diuretic therapy. He was discharged on postoperative day 32. Patients with severe BCS have been reported to have an expanded plasma volume. In addition, pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic surgery has been reported to decrease the venous flow in the portal vein and/or renal vein, the collateral pathways in BCS. The cause of pulmonary edema in the present case may have involved increased venous return following decompression of pneumoperitoneum pressure under the state of an expanded plasma volume. This case suggests that clinicians should pay special attention to achieving volume control in patients with BCS, particularly during laparoscopic surgery and minimizing the duration of pneumoperitoneum.

Computed tomography angiography manifestations of collateral circulations in Budd-Chiari syndrome

The aim of this study was to assess the computed tomography angiography (CTA) manifestations of collateral circulations in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS). Eighty patients with BCS were examined by CT scan. Using the CTA images of the relevant blood vessels, including the affected hepatic veins (HVs) and inferior venae cavae (IVCs), the collateral circulations were reconstructed. In addition to obstructed HVs and IVCs, collateral circulations were found in each of the patients. The collateral circulations were classified as intrahepatic, extrahepatic and portosystemic pathways. Intrahepatic collateral pathways were further classified as the following six types: HV-accessory HV (n=51, 63.8%), HV-HV (n=6, 7.5%), HV-accessory HV plus HV (n=6, 7.5%), IVC-HV/accessory HV-HV-right atrium (n=5, 6.3%), HV-umbilical vein (n=4, 5.0%) and HV-inferior phrenic vein (n=8, 10.0%). Extrahepatic collateral pathways included IVC-lumbar-ascending lumbar-hemiazygos/azygos vein (n=80, 100.0%), IVC-left renal-ascending lumbar-hemiazygos vein (n=75, 93.8%), IVC-left renal-inferior phrenic vein (n=49, 61.3%), IVC-renal -peri-renal -superficial epigastric vein (n=26, 32.5%) and superficial epigastric vein (n=12, 15.0%) types. The CTA characteristics of each type of collateral circulation were demonstrated. In conclusion, the present study revealed that CTA is able to show the intra- and extrahepatic collateral circulations of patients with BCS, which may be useful for therapeutic planning.

Diagnosis of the cavo-hepato-atrial pathway in Budd-Chiari syndrome by ultrasonography

The aim of this study was to investigate the ultrasonic features of the cavo-hepato-atrial pathway in Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS), by which blood is drained from the occluded inferior vena cava (IVC) to the right atrium via hepatic veins. Ultrasonograms from 11 patients with BCS with cavo-hepato-atrial pathways were retrospectively studied. Doppler ultrasound was used to observe the direction of the flow and measure the velocity of the blood-draining vessels. Blood flow in the draining vessels and the collaterals was shown as blue, red or bicolored depending on whether the flow direction was away from the transducer, towards the transducer or both. For measurement, the Doppler angle between the axis of the Doppler beam and that of the vein examined was always <60°. Ultrasonography was performed 1–2 weeks prior to digital subtraction angiography (DSA). All patients were confirmed by DSA. Membranous and segmental occlusions of IVCs were observed in seven and four cases, respectively. Blood flow from the IVC reversed to the hepatic/accessory hepatic vein, continued through the dilated intrahepatic collaterals, onward to the other hepatic vein and finally to the right atrium. The majority of the inlets (8/11) of hepatic veins above the occlusion were narrow compared with the dilated distant parts of the lumens. Accelerated blood flow in the inlets was detected in all patients regardless of the luminal diameter. In conclusion, the results from the present study suggest that the unusual cavo-hepato-atrial pathway can be diagnosed reliably by ultrasonography, which may be useful for clinical management.

Sonographic classification of draining pathways of obstructed hepatic veins in Budd-Chiari syndrome

PURPOSE

To describe and propose a sonographic classification of the blood-draining pathways of obstructed hepatic veins in Budd-Chiari syndrome.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 206 patients with hepatic vein obstructions who underwent sonographic examination. We evaluated the afflicted hepatic veins, as well as the course, orifice, blood flow direction of draining veins, and communicating branches. Results were classified and compared with digital subtraction angiography and computed tomography angiography.

RESULTS

Of 618 hepatic veins in 206 patients, 542 were obstructed. The blood-draining pathways were classified as hepatic vein-accessory hepatic vein (131/206), hepatic vein-hepatic vein/accessory hepatic+hepatic vein (49/206), and, less frequently, collateral pathways (26/206). Blood was drained from obstructed hepatic veins to the inferior vena cava, right atrium, para-umbilical veins, or hepatic subcapsular veins through communicating branches of various number and diameters. Doppler signals were obtained from the draining veins.

CONCLUSIONS

Sonography provides accurate information regarding the blood-draining pathways of obstructed hepatic veins in Budd-Chiari syndrome, which may be helpful for treatment and follow-up.

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma and spinal cord infarction following orthotopic liver transplantation: Case report and review of the literature

Background:

Spinal epidural hematomas are rare conditions. Although the exact cause remains unknown in up to 40% of cases, anticoagulation therapy, neoplasm, thrombolytic therapy, internal jugular vein thrombosis, and prolonged Valsalva maneuvers associated with pregnancy may be contributing factors. The source of bleeding appears to be the dorsal internal vertebral venous plexus (IVVP).

Case Description:

A 65-year-old female patient with hepatitis C-related cirrhosis underwent orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). The patient developed SSEH due to congestion of the IVVP in the peri-transplant period. Concurrent spinal cord infarction occurred, likely secondary to hypoperfusion during a cardiac arrest.

Conclusion:

This case study should increase awareness of SSEH as a complication of OLT.

Collateral pathways in portal hypertension

Presence of portosystemic collateral veins (PSCV) is common in portal hypertension due to cirrhosis. Physiologically, normal portosystemic anastomoses exist which exhibit hepatofugal flow. With the development of portal hypertension, transmission of backpressure leads to increased flow in these patent normal portosystemic anastomoses. In extrahepatic portal vein obstruction collateral circulation develops in a hepatopetal direction and portoportal pathways are frequently found. The objective of this review is to illustrate the various PSCV and portoportal collateral vein pathways pertinent to portal hypertension in liver cirrhosis and EHPVO.

Necessity and indications of invasive treatment for Budd-Chiari syndrome

BACKGROUND

The development of collaterals in Budd-Chiari syndrome has been described and these collaterals play an important role in the presentation of this disease. These collaterals are diagnostic and their use in management strategy has never been evaluated. This study aimed to investigate the indications, feasibility and necessity of invasive treatment for patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome and to determine whether such a strategy is necessary for optimal management.

METHODS

Twenty-nine patients who had been treated at our unit were enrolled in this study. Based on physical and biochemical examination, and hemodynamic compensation by collaterals, 18 patients underwent radiological intervention (group A), while the other 11 had no invasive treatment (group B). The related hemodynamic parameters were acquired when percutaneous angiography was performed.

RESULTS

In group A, all patients underwent successfully inferior vena cava (IVC) balloon angioplasty with or without stenting. Four patients also underwent hepatic vein angioplasty. In these patients, the mean IVC pressure before and after treatment was statistically different (29.3+/-9.2 vs 15.1+/-4.6 mmHg, P<0.01). The mean IVC pressure was much lower in group B than in group A (12.9+/-2.4 vs 29.3+/-9.2 mmHg, P<0.01), but there was no difference from that of the patients after radiological treatment (12.9+/-2.4 vs 15.1+/-4.6 mmHg, P>0.05). Median follow-up was 32.3 months (mean 21.3 months; range 3-61 months). In the course of follow-up, the patients in group A survived with good systemic status except for re-stenosis in one patient who underwent re-canalization of the IVC. In group B, 10 patients had good systemic status except one patient who had a meso-caval shunt because of deterioration.

CONCLUSIONS

The rationale of "early diagnosis and early treatment" is not suitable for all patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome. Satisfactory survival can be achieved in some patients without invasive treatment, who are completely compensated by rich collaterals. Nonetheless, a positive treatment procedure should be performed if the patient's situation worsens in the course of regular follow-up.

Hepatic caudate vein in Budd-Chiari syndrome: depiction by using magnetic resonance imaging

OBJECTIVE

To study the visibility of the caudate vein and its diameter on MR imaging in healthy people and in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study there were 14 patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome and 54 healthy subjects without hepatic lesion or liver disease, all of whom had upper abdominal enhanced MRI. The visibility of the caudate vein and its diameter on MR images was compared between Budd-Chiari patients and healthy subjects, and among Budd-Chiari patients, the correlation between the visibility of caudate vein and extrahepatic collaterals were compared.

RESULTS

Caudate vein was noted in 64% of patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome and in 7% of healthy subjects (P=0.000). The diameter of the caudate vein visualized on MR imaging in Budd-Chiari syndrome was significantly larger than that in healthy group (7.3±3.9 mm vs 2.6±0.6 mm, P=0.037). Among Budd-Chiari patients, both caudate vein and extrahepatic collateral veins were noted in 9 patients, only extrahepatic collateral veins were noted in 4 patients and neither caudate vein nor extrahepatic collateral veins were noted in 1 patient. No correlation was found between the visibility of caudate vein and that of extrahepatic collateral vein in patients with Budd-Chiari (P=0.375).

CONCLUSION

Gadolinium enhanced dynamic MR imaging can visualize hepatic caudate vein frequently. The visibility and dilation of hepatic caudate veins on MR imaging in Budd-Chiari syndrome were more frequent than in control subjects. MR depiction of a caudate vein may help differentiate Budd-Chiari from cirrhosis.

Advances in imaging diagnosis of Budd-Chiari syndrome

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is very easy to be misdiagnosed due to the lack of specificity in clinical manifestation. With the improvement of multiple imaging diagnostic devices and methods, the detection rate of BCS is raised. The noninvasive imaging examination methods, such as ultrasound, multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are able to clearly display hepatic vein (HV), inferior vena cave (IVC), and the location and type of stenosis. Therefore, they are useful for the clinical treatment and result observation.

Budd-Chiari syndrome: a review of imaging findings

Budd-Chiari syndrome is an uncommon, often fatal disorder resulting from an obstructed hepatic venous outflow tract. The obstructive lesion is situated in the main hepatic veins, in the inferior vena cava or in both. The nature, location and extension of the obstruction can be displayed on diagnostic imaging techniques. In addition to this direct evidence, the indirect findings of venous obstruction such as the presence of intra- and extrahepatic collateral veins, when combined with the altered morphology and enhancement pattern of the liver enables one to arrive at a confident diagnosis. In patients with suspected Budd-Chiari syndrome, gray-scale sonography with complementary support of color and pulsed Doppler examinations is the first step in approaching the diagnosis. It is followed by a contrast-enhanced cross-sectional technique, preferrentially by MR angiography. The patients with a high clinical suspicion of Budd-Chiari syndrome may undergo hepatic venography or venacavography directly so that a potential of recanalization (e.g. percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with or without stent placement or TIPS) of the obstructed segment under the guidance of these techniques would not be delayed.

Triphasic helical CT in Budd-Chiari syndrome: patterns of enhancement in acute, subacute and chronic disease

AIM

To retrospectively evaluate helical computed tomography (CT) findings in a series of consecutive patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome.

METHODS

Patterns of enhancement observed at contrast-enhanced helical CT in 10 consecutive patients (six women, four men; aged 27-51 years) with either acute, subacute or chronic Budd-Chiari syndrome were retrospectively evaluated along with the status of the hepatic veins. All patients underwent triphasic helical CT (10 mm beam collimation, 7 mm rec. intervals, 120 kV, 200-250 mA, pitch = 1.0) performed at 20-25, 70-75 and 300 s after i.v. bolus (3 ml/s) injection of 150 ml iodinated non-ionic contrast media.

RESULTS

Abnormal patterns of enhancement were identified in eight patients. In all patients with acute Budd-Chiari disease (3/3) abnormal arterial enhancement of the caudate lobe, the so-called "fan-shaped pattern" was observed, whereas visible venous thrombosis was only depicted in two. Conversely, a "patchy pattern" of enhancement was observed in five out of seven patients with either sub-acute (2) or chronic Budd-Chiari disease (5) along with a strip-like appearance or lack of visualization of hepatic veins.

CONCLUSIONS

The "fan-shaped" pattern of enhancement represent a characteristic finding of acute Budd-Chiari disease, and it may help to suggest the correct diagnosis even in absence of visible venous thrombosis.

Vena Cava 3D Contrast-Enhanced MR Venography: A Pictorial Review

Three-dimensional contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance venography (CE MRV) is a sensitive and accurate method for diagnosing vena cava pathologies. The commonly used indirect approach involves a nondiluted gadolinium contrast agent injected into an upper limb vein or, occasionally, a pedal vein for assessment of the superior or inferior vena cava. In our studies, a coronal 3D fast multi-planar spoiled gradient-echo acquisition was used. A pre-contrast scan was obtained to ensure correct coverage of the region of interest. We initiated contrast-enhanced acquisition 15 sec after the start of contrast agent injection and performed the procedure twice. The image sets were obtained during two 20-30-sec breath hold, with a breathing rest of 5-6 sec, to obtain the first-pass and delayed arteriovenous phases. For patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome, a third acquisition coinciding with late venous phase was collected to visualize the hepatic veins, which was carried out by one additional acquisition after a 5-6-sec breathing time. This review describes the clinical application of 3D CE MRV in vena cava congenital anomalies, superior and inferior vena cava syndrome, Budd-Chiari syndrome, peripheral vein thrombosis extending to the vena cava, pre-operational evaluation in portosystemic shunting and post-surgical follow-up, and road-mapping for the placement and evaluation of complications of central venous devices.

Intrahepatic portal-to-portal venous shunts in cirrhosis: a potential mimic of hepatocellular carcinoma

Two intrahepatic portal-to-portal venous shunts demonstrated at computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound in a 40-year-old woman with cirrhosis are described. The shunts appeared as hypervascular hepatic foci on CT, simulating multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma. Follow-up multiphase CT with multiplanar reformation and Doppler ultrasound confirmed the correct diagnosis. Recognition of intrahepatic portal-to-portal venous shunts as a rare mimic of hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhosis should prevent misinterpretation or inappropriate management.

Budd-Chiari syndrome: Diagnosis with three-dimensional contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography

AIM: To evaluate the role of three-dimensional contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (3D CE MRA) in the diagnosis of Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS).

METHODS: Twenty-three patients with BCS underwent 3D CE MRA examination, in which 13 cases were secondary to either hepatocellular carcinoma (11 cases), right adrenal carcinoma (1 case) or thrombophlebitis (1 case) and 10 suffered from primary BCS. The patency of the inferior vena cava (IVC), hepatic and portal veins as well as the presence of intra- and extrahepatic collaterals, liver parenchymal abnormalities and porto-systemic varices were evaluated. Inferior vena cavography was performed in 10 cases. The diagnosis of IVC obstruction by 3D CE MRA was compared with that demonstrated by inferior vena cavography.

RESULTS: The major features of BCS could be clearly displayed on 3D CE MRA. Positive hepatic venous signs included tumor thrombosis (9 cases), tumor compression (2 cases), nonvisualization (4 cases) and focal stenosis (2 cases). Positive IVC findings were noted as severe stenosis or occlusion (10 cases), tumor invasion (2 cases), thrombosis (3 cases), thrombophlebitis (1 case) and septum formation (3 cases). Intrahepatic collaterals were shown in 9 patients, 2 of them with “spider web” sign. The displayed extrahepatic collaterals included dilated azygos and hemi-azygos veins (13 cases) and left renal-inferior phrenic-pericardiophrenic veins (2 cases). The occlusion of the left intrahepatic portal veins was found in 2 cases. Porto-systemic varices were detected in 10 patients. Liver parenchymal abnormalities displayed by 3D CE MRA were enlargement of the caudate lobe (7 cases), heterogenous enhancement (18 cases) and complicated tumors (13 cases). Compared with the inferior vena cavography performed in 10 cases, the accuracy of 3D CE MRA was 100% in the diagnosis of IVC obstruction.

CONCLUSION: 3D CE MRA can display the major features of BCS and provide an accurate diagnosis.