Ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound features of Budd-Chiari syndrome

Objective To study the characteristics and clinical value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) of Budd-Chiari syndrome(BCS).Methods The examination data of two-dimensional ultrasound and color Doppler ultrasound and CEUS of 32 patients with BCS retrospectively were analysed,the inferior vena cava,hepatic vein blood flow imaging characteristics were observed,all patients were confirmed by angiography and interventional treatment or surgery.Results The characteristic of CEUS of BCS:inferior vena cava and/or hepatic vein stenosis in local blood flow pattern turn narrowed,blocking local without enhancement.Post-hepatic inferior vena cava imaging was delayeds or not development,when the stenosis or obstruction was improved or removed after treatment,the post-hepatic inferior vena cava development time was significantly shortened.Development time had no obvious difference between narrow one and normal one among three main hepatic vein.Blood flow edge inner vessel can be well displayed,which is beneficial to show lunmen shape of narrow section and blood flow beam direction.The blood flow information inner vascular stent can be displayed.There was no angle dependence,can improve signal detection rate of low flow and low velocity blood flow.Conclusions CEUS can well display inferior vena cava,hepatic vein stenosis or obstruction with position,extent and degree,especially in identification of inferior vena cava or hepatic vein occlusion with severe stenosis,which has important value to the choice of operation method,the judgment of therapeutic effect and postoperative follow-up. Key words: Ultrasonography;  Microbubbles ;  Hepatic vein thrombosis ;  Inferior vena cava, hepatic vein