RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERIPHERAL PORTAL BLOOD-FLOW AND LIVER-FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH LIVER-CIRRHOSIS - PULSED DOPPLER ULTRASONOGRAPHIC STUDY

Background: The relationship between portal hemodynamics and liver function in patients with liver cirrhosis remains unclear. Methods: Using pulsed Doppler ultrasonography, we investigated portal hemodynamics in the trunk and the intrahepatic peripheral vessels and its relation to liver function in cirrhotic patients. Results: The portal blood Bow in the right anterior branch (RAB) in cirrhotic patients (n = 40) was significantly lower (p < 0.01) than that in normal subjects (n = 40). In the cirrhotic patients the portal blood flow in the RAB was significantly correlated with the values of serum albumin, total bilirubin, cholesterol, cholinesterase, prothrombin time, and ICG R-15, and that in group C (Child's grading) was significantly decreased (p < 0.01) compared with that in group A. No such difference was found in the main portal vein, the right posterior branch, or the umbilical portion of the left portal vein. Conclusions: The decrease in blood flow in the RAB is closely related to the impairment of liver function in cirrhotic patients.