Color Doppler Ultrasound in Portal Hypertension: A Closer Look at Left Gastric Vein Hemodynamics

J Ultrasound Med. 2021 Jan;40(1):7-14. doi: 10.1002/jum.15386. Epub 2020 Jul 13.

Abstract

Portal hypertension is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in cirrhotic patients. A color Doppler evaluation of the left gastric vein (LGV) has proven utility in the prediction of esophageal varices and variceal bleeding in patients with portal hypertension. The purpose of this review is to discuss the ultrasound evaluation, imaging findings, and clinical application of Doppler ultrasound in the assessment of the LGV. Knowledge of the color Doppler technique and imaging findings of the LGV may help clinicians improve the monitoring of portal hypertension and predict patients with a high risk of esophageal varices.

Keywords: chronic liver disease; color Doppler; esophageal varices; left gastric vein; portal hypertension; ultrasound.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Esophageal and Gastric Varices / diagnostic imaging
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage
  • Hemodynamics
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Portal* / complications
  • Hypertension, Portal* / diagnostic imaging
  • Liver Cirrhosis / complications
  • Liver Cirrhosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Portal Vein / diagnostic imaging
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color