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Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objective The aim of the study was to investigate the role of computed tomography (CT) and portography in the evaluation of collaterals in cases of portal hypertension. Background Liver cirrhosis can result in portal hypertension. Portosystemic collaterals are one of the most severe complications. It may cause massive hemorrhage of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, prompt evaluation of portosystemic collaterals is imperative. Patients and methods This study included 80 patients (63 male and 17 female) aged between 13 and 73 years. It was conducted from May 2012 to February 2014 on outpatients and inpatients of the Hepatology Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University. Patients with liver cirrhosis who had findings of portal hypertension on clinical examination underwent multislice CT, and portography images were obtained using the Work Station. Ten patients underwent upper endoscopy for sclerotherapy. We also detected a correlation between the portal vein (PV) diameter and number of collaterals. Results Multislice CT and CT portography have been shown to be useful in the evaluation of portosystemic collaterals in cases of portal hypertension. When compared with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy there is upgrading of collaterals. Further, this study detected a significant correlation between the PV diameter and number of collaterals. Conclusion Multislice CT has become an important tool for investigation of the liver and can detect potentially problematic varices by detailing the course of these tortuous vessels. This knowledge is important in major operations such as liver transplantation for detection of unexpected varices that can result in significant bleeding. CT portography images can replace the endoscope in the detection of varices.

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