RESUMO
Nineteen patients with hypersplenism secondary to compensated periportal fibrosis [ten patients received splenic irradiation [SI], group 1 and nine patients on supportive therapy [ST] group 2]] were included in this study. The follow up period was 9-18 months in group 1 and 4-6 months in group 2. SI course was administrated twice weekly for three weeks to a total dose of 9 Gy. Initial and follow up blood counts and peripheral hemogram including red cell and platelet indices were measured in each visit; while, spleen size, splenic vein diameter were measured by duplex Doppler ultrasound initially and after three and six months. The study concluded that SI is a promising new low toxic type of treatment for patients with hypersplenism. Dose and schedule of SI should be modified according to the patients clinical condition. Changes in splenic vein diameter are correlated with the degree of platelet and red cell turnover. Its predictive value for hypersplenism should be studied