Doppler ultrasound in the assessment of liver cirrhosis in children

Abstract

This study investigates the value of using Doppler ultrasound for assessment of hemodynamic changes for children with liver cirrhosis. The study involved twenty-five patients, they were divided into two groups group1 includes patients with chronic hepatitis and group 2 includes patients with established liver cirrhosis and thirty healthy children served as control group. Full clinical examination was done for all groups as well as laboratory assessment of liver function, abdominal ultrasound and Doppler examination. Portal vein flow velocity as well as the congestion index were significantly lower in the group 1 compared to the other two groups and abnormal direction of its flow was detected in 46% of group 1 and in 25% of group 2 and non of the control group. Abnormal hepatic vein waveform was detected in 53% of group 1 and in 16% of group 2 and non-of the controls.