Portosystemic Collaterals Research Articles

Beta-Blockers Lower First Decompensation in Patients With Cirrhosis and Enduring Portal Hypertension After Etiological Treatment

Non-selective beta-blockers (NSBB) can lower the risk of first decompensation in patients with cirrhosis and clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) (identified by a hepatic venous pressure gradient ≥10 mmHg) with active etiology. Our aim was to examine the effect of NSBB on first decompensation occurrence in patients with cirrhosis and enduring CSPH after etiological treatment. Patients with compensated cirrhosis and clinical evidence of CSPH (gastroesophageal varices -GEV- and/or spontaneous portosystemic collaterals- SPSS) after two years from etiological treatment. Primary endpoint was first decompensation (occurrence of variceal bleeding, ascites, or hepatic encephalopathy) in patients on-NSBB vs. off-NSBB. Final cohort included 406 patients. Baseline characteristics of patients on-NSBB (n=187) and off-NSBB (n=219) were comparable, except for signs of PH that were more pronounced in the on-NSBB group. During a mean follow-up of 32 months, 127 (31%) patients decompensated, with ascites being the most common (77%) decompensating event. Decompensation rates were lower in patients on-NSBB (16% vs 44%, p<0,0001). The benefit of NSBB on decompensation was maintained in patients with small GEV (17% vs 43%, p<0,0001), in those with SPSS only (8% vs 43%, p=0,003) and in each different etiology, including HCV-cured cirrhosis (9% vs 32%, p<0,0001). At Cox regression analysis, Hemoglobin, Child-Pugh, MELD-Na, diabetes at baseline and previous bacterial infections were independent predictors of decompensation, while NSBB-use had a protective effect (HR 0,32, 95% CI 0,20-0,49; p<0,0001). NSBB-use significantly reduced bacterial infection rates (HR 0,36, 95% CI 0,22-0,58; p<0,0001). NSBB decrease the risk of first decompensation in patients with cirrhosis and enduring CSPH after etiological treatment.

Management of refractory rectal variceal bleed using computed tomography.

The management of refractory rectal variceal bleed using a minimally invasive percutaneous approach is described. Rectal varices are portosystemic collaterals that arise as a complication of portal hypertension. Bleeding is less common from rectal varices than from esophageal varices, but it is potentially life-threatening. Hence, it is of interest to describe a novel minimally invasive percutaneous technique to control refractory bleeding from rectal varices in a complex scenario where other proven treatments have failed. In the present study, a 28-year-old male presented to the Emergency department with one episode of hematemesis, hematochezia and severe abdominal pain. Sigmoidoscopy revealed actively bleeding rectal varices. CT abdominal angiogram revealed variceal formation in the rectum. we successfully performed CT guided percutaneous N- butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) glue injection of rectal varices with immediate and complete cessation of rectal bleed after failed endoscopic sclerotherapy.

Low-dose alcohol exacerbates hyperdynamic circulation and shunting in non-alcoholic cirrhotic rats.

Portal hypertension affects hepatic, splanchnic and portosystemic collateral systems. Although alcohol is a well-known risk factor for liver cirrhosis, it also affects vascular contractility. However, the relevant effects on portal hypertension have not been evaluated in non-alcoholic cirrhosis. The present study aimed to investigate the impacts of low-dose alcohol on portal hypertension-related derangements in non-alcoholic cirrhotic rats. Sprague-Dawley rats received bile duct ligation to induce cirrhosis or sham operation as controls. The chronic or acute effects of low-dose alcohol (2.4 g/kg/day, oral gavage, approximately 1.3 drinks/day in humans) were evaluated. The chronic administration of low-dose alcohol did not precipitate liver fibrosis in the sham or cirrhotic rats; however, it significantly increased splanchnic blood inflow (P=0.034) and portosystemic collaterals (P=0.001). Mesenteric angiogenesis and pro-angiogenic proteins were up-regulated in the alcohol-treated cirrhotic rats, and poorer collateral vasoresponsiveness to vasoconstrictors (P<0.001) was noted. Consistently, acute alcohol administration reduced splenorenal shunt resistance. Collateral vasoresponsiveness to vasoconstrictors also significantly decreased (P=0.003). In non-alcoholic cirrhosis rats, a single dose of alcohol adversely affected portosystemic collateral vessels due to vasodilatation. Long-term alcohol use precipitated splanchnic hyperdynamic circulation, in which mesenteric angiogenesis played a role. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the benefits of avoiding low-dose alcohol consumption in patients with non-alcoholic cirrhosis.

CT guided percutaneous NBCA glue injection of rectal varices for refractory rectal variceal bleed as a bailout

To propose minimally invasive percutaneous approach in the management of refractory rectal variceal bleed. Rectal varices are porto-systemic collaterals that arise as a complication of portal hypertension. Bleeding is less common from rectal varices than from esophageal varices

Noncirrhotic Portal Hypertension – A Case Report on a Sequela of Portal Vein Cavernoma

Introduction: Increased pressures in the portal vein (portal hypertension) which occurs following portal vein thrombosis, results in cavernous transformation of the portal vein. Though portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a frequent complication in cirrhotic patients, it may also exist as a basic vascular condition without any liver damage. Among the predisposing factors for portal vein cavernoma are deficiencies in protein C, S &amp; antithrombin III, antiphospholipid syndrome and mutations in factor V Leiden and JAK2. Determination of the aetiology aids in the management plan to not only relieve symptoms of the patient but also to treat the underlying cause. Gastroesophageal variceal bleeding, splenomegaly, portosystemic collaterals, and ultimately hematologic abnormalities are among the prominent clinical features. Case Presentation: We present a case of a 16-year-old male with portal vein cavernoma complicated by bleeding oesophageal varices presenting with a second episode of hematemesis and melena within a 10-year period. He underwent endoscopic variceal band ligation and was put on oral warfarin and propranolol. The patient was followed up once at the outpatient clinic after discharge without the laboratory investigations we requested due to financial constraints. He has since been lost to follow up. Conclusion: Bleeding oesophageal varices from noncirrhotic causes are common and a high index of suspicion is needed to make a diagnosis. Though investigations tailored towards identifying the underlying cause presents a challenge in a resource constrained setting like ours, management of complications and symptoms to reduce morbidity and mortality cannot be over-emphasized.

Melatonin alleviated splanchnic hyperdynamic circulation and portosystemic collaterals in cirrhotic rats

AbstractChronic liver damages may end up with cirrhosis and portal hypertension, featured by splanchnic hyperdynamic circulation, angiogenesis, and collaterals formation. Melatonin is used to improve sleep quality, which exerts anti‐inflammatory, anti‐angiogenesis, and vascular actions without significant side effects. However, the relevant impacts on aforementioned derangements are unclear. Liver cirrhosis was induced by bile duct ligation in Sprague‐Dawley rats. The rats received melatonin (40 mg/kg/day, i.p.) or vehicle for 28 days. Experiments were performed on the 28th day when cirrhosis developed. In cirrhotic rats, melatonin treatment significantly increased superior mesenteric artery resistance and reduced the blood flow. Melatonin enhanced the portosystemic collateral responsiveness to arginine vasopressin, reduced mesenteric vascular area, shunting degree, and down‐regulated mesenteric MMP‐2 protein expression. Melatonin improved the splanchnic hyperdynamic circulation, portosystemic collateral shunting, and mesenteric angiogenesis in cirrhotic rats. These beneficial effects make melatonin potentially feasible in clinical setting, but further investigation is required.

Ectopic varices: anatomical features for surgeons and interventional radiologists

Ectopic varices are defined as dilated portosystemic collateral veins located in unusual sites, other than the gastroesophageal region. They develop secondary to portal hypertension, surgical procedures, anomalies in venous outflow, or abdominal vascular thrombosis and may be familial. Ectopic varices represent a clinical challenge because they are difficult to localize. Missing or misinterpreting these lesions can have serious consequences, and treatment options are unclear. Ectopic varices may be detected during panendoscopy, enteroscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, wireless capsule endoscopy, diagnostic angiography, multislice helical computed tomography, magnetic resonance angiography, color Doppler flow imaging, laparotomy, laparoscopy and occasionally during autopsy. They can be an important cause of bleeding and hepatic encephalopathy, so radiologists must effectively identify them to assist in making therapeutic decisions. Knowledge of the anatomy and course of these unusual portosystemic collaterals is also important for interventional radiologists and surgeons as it helps avoid inadvertent vascular damage during invasive procedures. In this article, we explore the parts of the gastrointestinal tract and organs that may be involved in ectopic varices. Literature search was conducted in the MedLine database on the PubMed platform.

Serum Kallistatin Level as a Predictor of Esophageal Varices in Patients of Liver Cirrhosis

Abstract Background Esophageal varices are porto-systemic collaterals resulting from portal hypertension, and considered the most lethal complication of liver cirrhosis so early diagnosis of varices can improve prognosis of liver cirrhosis. Kallistatin a tissue kallikrein-binding protein and a serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin) is mainly formed and secreted in liver and its serum level diminished in liver cirrhosis. It has anti-angiogenic, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects. Kallistatin level is believed by many literature to be related to the severity of liver disease. Aim of the Work The aim of this study was to assess the relation between serum kallistatin level and presence of OVs. This study also aimed to evaluate serum kallistatin level as a non-invasive predictor of OVs. Patients and Methods This study was conducted in the Gastro-enterology unit, Internal medicine department, Ain Shams University hospitals &amp;Theodor Bilharz Institute. This is a case control study including 60 cirrhotic patients and 20 healthy. Results There was no significant differences between the studied groups regarding demographic data. There was no significant differences between the studied groups as regards Hb, WBCs, ALT, AST, creatinine and, urea but there was highly significant differences between cirrhotic groups and healthy group in the means of platelet count, serum albumin, serum sodium, total and direct bilirubin but no significant difference between groups I and II. Regarding to prothrombin time, there was highly significant differences between the 3 groups as it was higher in group I more than II more than III. There was also no significant difference between the cirrhotic groups regarding to Child Pugh score, MELD score and portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG). There were significant differences between the 3 studied groups regarding to the means of splenic diameter and portal vein diameter. Kallistatin level showed significant decrease in both patients with OVs and patients without OVs vs. healthy individuals and there was highly significant difference between patients with OVs and patients without OVs. The level of Kallistatin concentration is not correlated with size of varices or risky signs suggesting that Kallistatin level can predict presence of O.V but it can’t reflect the size and severity of varices. There was no significant correlation between serum level of Kallistatin and age, gender and smoking. There was positive correlation to hemoglobin, platelet count, albumin level and negative correlation with PT, INR and urea. There was positive correlation to portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) and negative correlation with MELD score and portal vein diameter. Conclusion Serum level of Kallistatin level may express the degree of liver dysfunction. It is correlated with presence of O.V but not correlate to size or risky signs of OVs suggesting that Kallistatin level can’t reflect the presence of O.V. It can predict the presence of severe PHG.

Portal vein thrombosis: Before, during, and after liver transplant.

Portal vein thrombosis: Before, during, and after liver transplant.

Large left varicocele in a patient with portal hypertension treated via transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement and both variceal and varicocele embolization

BackgroundScrotal swelling from varicocele is a common complaint in adult men. Varicocele due to portosystemic collaterals is a rare presentation of portal hypertension. Imaging workup and intervention for varicocele in this case is more complex than varicocele due to absent or incompetent valves in the testicular veins and pampiniform plexus.Case presentationWe present the case of a 53-year-old man with alcohol-related cirrhosis presented with persistent left scrotal heaviness, pain, and swelling found to have a large left varicocele. Given his history of cirrhosis, a contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen and pelvis was obtained showing that the varices were supplied by a vessel arising from the splenic vein and draining into the left renal vein as well as gastric varices. Varicocele embolization alone is not sufficient in this case, and we treated with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, variceal and varicocele embolization.ConclusionIn patients presenting with a varicocele with a history of cirrhosis/portal hypertension, cross sectional imaging of the abdomen and pelvis should be obtained prior to treatment to evaluate for the presence of varices which may be pressured by varicocele embolization. If present, consideration should be given to referral to an interventional radiologist for possible concurrent variceal embolization and TIPS placement.

Portal Systemic Encephalopathy without Significant Changes of Chronic Liver Disease: A Case Report

Introduction: Determining the etiology of an encephalopathy can be challenging for the neurologists, especially when the preliminary investigations do not indicate any significant biochemical or other systemic abnormality. Portosystemic shunts maybe easily missed and may present as recurrent encephalopathy with elevated serum ammonia or cerebrospinal glutamate levels. These shunts maybe easily identified in the presence of overt chronic liver disease, but maybe easily missed in patients with cryptogenic liver disease or in congenital abnormalities of the intrahepatic vascular system without an associated chronic liver disease. Materials and Methods: The triple-phase computed tomography (CT) or contrast magnetic resonance imaging can demonstrate the extent of portal vein thrombosis, map the extent of the portosystemic collateral, and aid in planning the treatment in patients with difficult anatomy of the portosystemic collaterals. Treatment regimens for patients with portosystemic shunts manifesting as hyperammonemic encephalopathy include restriction of oral protein intake, lactulose administration, oral nonabsorbable antibiotics, closure of the endovascular shunt, or finally, liver transplant. We present a case of a 55-year-old female with seizure disorder presenting with recurrent episodes of encephalopathy with elevated serum ammonia without the overt signs of chronic liver disease with identification of portosystemic shunting on a triple-phase CT of the abdomen. Conclusion: Specialized investigations to identify the presence of portosystemic collaterals should be conducted in patients with cryptogenic encephalopathy with elevated serum ammonia.

Computed tomography predictors of gastroesophageal varices in cirrhotic patients: the added value of portosystemic collaterals

BackgroundDetection of ‘spontaneous’ portosystemic collateral veins (PSCV) serves as an important tool in diagnosing portal hypertension (PTHN) and predicting prognosis. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) imaging is noninvasive and allows accurate assessment of variceal site and size. So, this study was conducted to assess the role of MDCT in predicting, detecting and grading gastroesophageal varices in correlation with endoscopy in cirrhotic patients in relation to other portosystemic collaterals.MethodsAnalytical cross-sectional prospective study was conducted on 100 cirrhotic patients. All patients were subjected to history taking, upper gastrointestinal endoscopic assessment, and triphasic CT or contrast-enhanced CT assessment of abdomen and pelvis.ResultsPatients who had esophageal varices in MDCT show a statistically significant difference (p = 0.016) with its endoscopic grading. There was good agreement between endoscopy and MDCT in diagnosing grade of esophageal varices as k = 0.882. The presence of ascites, splenic size, and esophageal vein diameter serve as clinically significant predictors of esophageal varices. Splenic size showed a significant difference according to endoscopic grades of EV (esophageal varices) as p = 0.031 as patients with no varices had splenic size of (15.9 ± 1.4) cm, patients with grade I had a mean splenic size of (15.2 ± 8.7) cm, patients with grade II had mean splenic size of (16.9 ± 1.8) cm and patients with grade III had mean splenic size of (18 ± 4.2) cm, while other veins diameters showed increase with advanced grades of EV but with statistically insignificant differences as p > 0.05.ConclusionsMultidetector CT features of the presence of PSCVs, splenic size, and ascites are accurate predictors of PTHN in either EVs presence or absence. MDCT can be an excellent alternative for patients who are contraindicated for endoscopy. Moreover, it can be potential screening tool for early detection of esophageal varices in very early stage of chronic liver disease and in the early care of patient with varices. MDCT remains the most applicable noninvasive diagnostic tool for patients with portosystemic collaterals.

COLOURDOPPLER AND ULTRASONOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF PORTAL HYPERTENSION

Introduction:An accurate non-invasive method of determining the cause, degree, and problems of portal hypertension is ultrasound doppler. Using ultrasonic Doppler, the varied spectrum of results, flow metric variations, and portosystemic collaterals may be precisely investigated. Aims And Objectives: To study various hemodynamic changes (using colour Doppler) in portal hypertension,to evaluate spectrum of sonographic findings in portal hypertension and to detect the various complications of portal hypertension and identify various collaterals. MaterialsandMethods:Atotalof40patientsreferredtotheDepartmentofRadiodiagnosis,Narayana MedicalCollege and Hospital with clinically diagnosed portal hypertension, in a period from January2022 toSeptember 2022 weresubjectedforthestudy.ThepatientswerestudiedusingcolorDopplercoupled ultrasoundmachine.Collecteddatawasanalysedfordescriptivestatistics. Results: The mean age of patients was 43 years. Therewere 29 males and 11females in this study..Splenomegalywasnotedin90%casesandascites in 85%. Portal vein was dilated in 53% cases.Hepatopetalflowwasnotedinmajority(65%)ofthecases.Lossofrespiratoryphasicityofportalveinwasnoted in 80 % cases. Collateralswerenotedin75.5%ofthe cases, most common being the splenorenal collateralswhichwereseenin92.5 %ofcases. Conclusion: The aetiology, severity, and consequences of portal hypertension can all be accurately determined with ultrasound doppler, which is a non-invasive modality Using ultrasonic Doppler, it is possible to precisely study the various spectrum of discoveries, flow metric variations, and portosystemic collaterals.

Combined heart-liver transplantation practices survey in North America: Evaluation and organ listing practices.

We conducted a web-based survey to characterize liver transplant (LT) evaluation and listing practices for patients being evaluated for combined heart-liver transplantation (CHLT), with a specific emphasis on patients with congenital heart disease (CHD), around transplant centers in North America. Very few protocols for liver evaluation and listing in patients undergoing combined heart-liver transplantation are published, and no guidelines currently exist on this topic. A subject of intense debate in the transplant community is the decision of which patients with CHD and liver disease benefit from CHLT compared with heart transplantation. A focus group from the American Society of Transplantation Liver-Intestine Community of Practice Education Subcommittee developed a web-based survey that included questions (1) respondee demographic information; (2) LT evaluation practices in CHLT; (3) liver organ listing practices in CHLT, and (4) 4 clinical vignettes with case-based scenarios in CHLT liver listings among CHD patients who underwent Fontan palliation. The survey was distributed to medical and surgical LT program directors of 47 centers that had completed at least 1 CHLT up to July 2021 in the US and the University of Toronto, Canada. The survey had an excellent 83% response rate (87% for centers that completed at least 1 CHLT in the past 5y). Total 66.7% used transjugular liver biopsy with HVPG measurements, 30% used percutaneous liver biopsy with no consensus on the use of a fibrosis staging system, 95% mandated contrasted cross-sectional imaging, and 65% upper endoscopy. The following isolated findings evaluation mandated CHLT listing: isolated elevated HVPG (61.5%); the presence of portosystemic collaterals on imaging (67.5%); the endoscopic presence of esophageal or gastric varices (75%), and the presence of HCC (80%), whereas the majority of centers did not feel that the presence of isolated splenomegaly (100%), thrombocytopenia (81.6%), endoscopic findings of portal hypertensive gastropathy (66.7%), or highly sensitized patients (84.6%) justified CHLT. In our survey of North American centers that had performed at least 1 CHLT in the past 5 years, we observed heterogeneity in practices for both evaluation and listing protocols in these patients.

Prediction of Porto systemic Collaterals using MR Elastography in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Prediction of Porto systemic Collaterals using MR Elastography in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Bleeding isolated ectopic (Duodenal) varix as the initial presentation of portal hypertension

Ectopic varices are large portosystemic collaterals in locations other than the gastroesophageal region. They account for up to 5% of all variceal bleeding. We present a case of obscure gastrointestinal bleed where bleeding isolated duodenal varix was identified as the initial manifestation of portal hypertension.

Diagnostic accuracy of triphasic CT scan abdomen in the diagnosis of distal esophageal varices taking endoscopic findings as gold standard.

Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of multidetector computed tomography in detection of esophageal varices in patients with hrpatic cirrhosis. Study Design: Cross Sectional study. Setting: Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Kot Khawaja Saeed Teaching Hospital, Lahore. Period: January, 2021 to July, 2021. Material &amp; Methods: Two hundred seventy five patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis were included in our study. Multidetector CT of the abdomen was performed using multislice CT and the findings were recorded. The cases underwent endoscopy within the subsequent 8 weeks. The results of MDCT were compared with endoscopy findings, which were taken as gold standard. Results: We found 190 true-positives, 80 true-negatives, 03 false-negatives, and 02 false-positive results. MDCT demonstrated a sensitivity of 98.4%, a specificity of 97.6%, PPV of 99.0%, NPV of 96.4%, and an accuracy of 98.1%. Extra-esophageal findings on MDCT included other porto-systemic collaterals and hepatocellular carcinoma. Conclusion: MDCT is an effective modality for diagnosis of esophageal varices and can be used as a screening test for varices. CT also permits evaluation of extra-luminal pathology that impacts management.

S2597 Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage From Hepaticojejunal Varices: A Rare Complication of Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Introduction: Ectopic varices are portosystemic collaterals that form outside the esophageal-gastric region and frequently pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Rarely, bleeding from ectopic varices can occur as a complication of pancreatic surgery. We describe a case of gastrointestinal bleeding from ectopic hepaticojejunal varices after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Case Description/Methods: A 66-year-old man with a history of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (PMN) with high-grade dysplasia status post Whipple procedure two years previously, presented to the hospital with melena. His Whipple procedure had been complicated by splenic vein thrombosis and disease recurrence, necessitating further debridement three months prior to presentation. On examination, his vital signs were stable and there were no stigmata of liver disease. His laboratory tests were notable for a hemoglobin 8.0 g/dL (from baseline of 11 g/dL), platelets 174 × 109/L, BUN 29 mg/dL, INR 1.0. He initially underwent EGD and colonoscopy, which were unremarkable. A second look endoscopy was performed and deep intubation of the afferent limb revealed ectopic varices with stigmata of recent bleeding at the hepaticojejunostomy (Panel A). Cross-sectional imaging demonstrated a patent splenic vein but chronic occlusion of the portal and proximal superior mesenteric veins with cavernous transformation, extensive upper abdominal varices and splenomegaly (Panel B). There was no clinical or radiologic evidence of cirrhosis. After multidisciplinary discussion, an endovascular approach was deemed technically infeasible given extensive chronic mesenteric thrombus and a surgical approach was deemed prohibitively high-risk. The patient ultimately underwent endoscopic injection of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate into the ectopic varices and has remained without recurrent bleeding in over 5 months of follow-up. Discussion: Hemorrhage from ectopic jejunal varices following pancreatic surgery has previously been described in only a few case reports. Given the potential for vascular injury and local inflammation, these procedures can result in mesenteric venous thrombosis with subsequent ectopic variceal formation. If present, defining the vascular supply of varices with early multi-disciplinary involvement is paramount to their management. Multiple treatments have been reported, including portal venous stenting, embolization, and local sclerotherapy or cyanoacrylate injection as in this case.Figure 1.: (A) Ectopic varices (yellow arrows) are noted in the afferent limb at the hepaticojejunostomy. (B) Coronal view of computed tomography scan of abdomen demonstrating large upper abdominal collaterals (red arrow) that drain close to the afferent limb (white arrow).

Porto-sinusoidal vascular disorder.

It is well established that portal hypertension can occur in the absence of cirrhosis, as reported in patients with immune disorders, infections and thrombophilia. However, similar histological abnormalities primarily affecting the hepatic sinusoidal and (peri)portal vasculature have also been observed in patients without portal hypertension. Thus, the term porto-sinusoidal vascular disorder (PSVD) has recently been introduced to describe a group of vascular diseases of the liver featuring lesions encompassing the portal venules and sinusoids, irrespective of the presence/absence of portal hypertension. Liver biopsy is fundamental for PSVD diagnosis. Specific histology findings include nodular regenerative hyperplasia, obliterative portal venopathy/portal vein stenosis and incomplete septal fibrosis/cirrhosis. Since other conditions including alcohol-related and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or viral hepatitis, or the presence of portal vein thrombosis may occur in patients with PSVD, their relative contribution to liver damage should be carefully assessed. In addition to histology and clinical diagnostic criteria, imaging and non-invasive tests such as liver and spleen stiffness measurements could aid in the diagnostic workup. The introduction of PSVD as a novel clinical entity will facilitate collaborative studies and investigations into the underlying molecular pathomechanisms encompassed by this term.

Liver and heart failure: an ultrasound relationship.

Liver and heart are anatomically and patho-physiologically related. In heart failure (HF) the increased right atrial pressure and volume overload cause histological changes in hepatocytes, leading to a condition known as "congestive hepatopathy" (CH), with consequent variations in liver functioning and ultrasound (US) findings. CH has specifical US findings especially regarding venous vessels aspect, easily detecting by gray-scale study, but many others can be distinguished by Doppler analysis. Usually, hepatic veins look enlarged and hypocollassing, together with signs of portal hypertension (hepatomegaly, ascites, splenomegaly, porto-systemic collaterals). Typically, in CH Doppler findings regard alterations in venous vessel flow and arterial resistance (venous system hyperpulsatility, reduced velocity flow, high resistance index in hepatic arterial Doppler spectrum). Sometimes CH and other primary hepatopathy can coexist, and therefore some of the expected variations may not manifest: it allows suspecting an unknown underlying liver disease. At last, US technologies of more recent applications, even if not routinely used, allow investigating additional aspects such as elastography that detects changes in liver elasticity or contrastographic US, able to show differences in hepatic venous opacification. However, most of these US signs are not pathognomonic, and therefore a multidisciplinary clinical reasoning must not be lacking. The aim of the present review is to easily provide US signs of liver alterations in HF, in particular right heart failure with volume overload, suggesting including liver US in instrumental diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of HF.