Imaging Approach to Portal Hypertension

Abstract

Increase in portal venous pressure (termed portal hypertension) is seen in a variety of liver diseases. Imaging tests are useful to detect portal hypertension and identify its cause. Noninvasive tests like abdominal ultrasound and Doppler studies are routinely done in clinical practice for this indication. Cross-sectional studies like computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are especially useful to delineate morphological abnormalities in the liver. Invasive tests like assessment of hepatic venous pressure gradient are done less frequently for specific indications. Distinctive imaging findings help differentiate the different causes of portal hypertension like cirrhosis and vascular liver disorders like noncirrhotic portal hypertension, extrahepatic portal venous obstruction, and Budd–Chiari syndrome. Radiological interventions are increasingly used to treat complications of portal hypertension like refractory ascites or refractory bleeding from gastroesophageal varices.

Special Issue Liver Imaging—Part 1

“…3 We then move on from neoplasms to vascular hepatic pathologies as Augustine et al discuss an imaging approach to portal hypertension. 4 They delve deep into the topic, going beyond the "regular" imaging findings, and going into painstaking detail for each etiology of portal hypertension. This would be particularly useful not just for clinical radiologists but also for exam-going residents.…”