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Feb 5 2009, 9:12 AM EST (current) AndyC 190 words added
Feb 5 2009, 9:03 AM EST AndyC 6 words added

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ultrasound protocols for liver doppler study

Liver Doppler

  • This is usually performed as an adjunct to an upper abdominal scan
  • If indicated Doppler assessment may be performed in isolation
Indications
  • Requested by referring clinician
  • A combination of ultrasound appearances suggestive of portal hypertension, these include (but are not restricted to):
    • Splenomegaly, especially in the absence of another causitive condition
    • Portal vein dilatation (>/= 13mm lumen)
    • Varices, typical of portosystemic collaterals (e.g. para-umbilical, lieno-renal, coronary etc.)
    • Liver surface irregularity consistent with cirrhosis
Assess:
  • Splenic vein
  • SMV (if possible, often unable to be assessed due to overlying bowel gas)
  • Portal vein (main)
  • Left and right portal veins
  • Ligamentum teres region (for paraumbilical vein varicies)
  • Main hepatic artery
  • Hepatic veins
  • IVC
  • Common sites of portosystemic collateral
  • Remainder of upper abdomen if indicated

Standard Documentation:
  • Colour Doppler images / clip store / PW Doppler spectral waveforms +/- clipstore of:
  • Splenic vein
  • SMV (often unobtainable)
  • Main, left and right portal veins
  • Hepatic artery
  • Main, left and right hepatic veins
  • IVC
  • Colour Doppler images +/- clipstore of ligamentum teres region, PW Doppler spectral waveforms if para-umbilical collateral is present
  • Standard documentation for upper abdomen if indicated

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