Value of abdominal ultrasonography and doppler in assessment of portal hypertension in children

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to find a relation between ultrasonographic and Doppler findings of portal hypertension and grading of Esophageal varices as detected by upper GIT endoscopy. 24 children suffering from portal hypertension were subjected to full clinical examination laboratory investigations, liver biopsy, upper GIT endoscopy and abdominal US. Their ultrasonographic and Doppler data were compared to those of a control group consisting of 20 healthy children of matched age and sex. According to endoscopic grading of OV, patients were divided into two groups, mild and severe. The severe group was again subdivided into bleeders and non-bleeders for further analysis. Ultrasonographic parameters as MPV-d, sp-MPV, sp-RPV, sp-LPV, SV-d, long axis of the spleen and omental thickness were all significantly different from those of controls. Among patients of the severe group, bleeders were significantly different from non-bleeders as regards SV- d, OT and sp-splenorenal. To predict severity and onset of bleeding of OV in patients with PH, a score was developed. Accordingly, patients having scores above seven are at risk of hematemesis and might be considered for prophylactic regimens