Font Size:
Transient Hepatic Attenuation Differences in Computed Tomography from Extrahepatic Portal Vein Compression
Humberto Wong, Terry S. Desser, R. Brooke Jeffrey
Abstract
Objective: To describe the appearance of transient hepatic attenuation differences (THADs) of extrahepatic origin
Materials and Methods: Five cases of THADs produced by compression of the extrahepatic portal vein at its confluence with the splenic vein were identified prospectively over a four-month period. Two additional cases of peripheral THADs resulting from main portal vein thrombosis were identified from retrospective review of a departmental database.
Results: Streamlining of portal venous flow resulted primarily in left lobar THADs when the portal vein is compressed at its confluence with the splenic vein. THADs were seen in the periphery of the liver in the two cases of main portal vein thrombosis.
Conclusion: Lobar and/or peripheral THADs can be produced by compromise of splenic and extrahepatic portal venous flow. Radiologists should be familiar with the "central pseudotumor" created by the peripheral THAD that can result from portal vein thrombosis.
Materials and Methods: Five cases of THADs produced by compression of the extrahepatic portal vein at its confluence with the splenic vein were identified prospectively over a four-month period. Two additional cases of peripheral THADs resulting from main portal vein thrombosis were identified from retrospective review of a departmental database.
Results: Streamlining of portal venous flow resulted primarily in left lobar THADs when the portal vein is compressed at its confluence with the splenic vein. THADs were seen in the periphery of the liver in the two cases of main portal vein thrombosis.
Conclusion: Lobar and/or peripheral THADs can be produced by compromise of splenic and extrahepatic portal venous flow. Radiologists should be familiar with the "central pseudotumor" created by the peripheral THAD that can result from portal vein thrombosis.
Full Text: HTML PDF
Call For Papers
Radiology Case Reports began publication in January, 2006. We invite you to support the first peer-reviewed journal established specifically to publish case reports in radiology by submitting case report manuscripts for publication.
To submit a case for review, first register with the site as an author (there is no charge for this). When you log in as an author, you will be guided through the submission process.