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Portal HypertensionSeen most frequently in patients with liver disease such as cirrhosis or hepatitis, portal hypertension is a condition in which the normal flow of blood through the liver is slowed or blocked by scarring or other damage. Patients with the condition are at risk of internal bleeding or other life-threatening complications. Diagnosis:
The diagnosis of portal hypertension can be supported by ultrasound. This is a painless procedure in which a radiologist or technician moves an instrument (transducer/receiver) about the size and shape of a computer mouse across the outside surface of the skin. Sound waves are transmitted through the skin and allow the technician to "see" the size, shape and texture of the patient’s veins. A picture is displayed on a computer screen as the radiologist or technician takes the ultrasound. Your VIA Interventional Radiologist will use ultrasound to assess the liver and its blood vessels to determine if you may be a candidate for TIPS. Computed Tomography (CT) – sometimes called CAT scan – uses special x-ray equipment to obtain image data from different angles around the body, then uses computer processing of the information to show a cross-section of body tissues and organs. CT imaging is particularly useful because it can show several types of tissue with great clarity, including organs such as the liver, spleen, pancreas and kidneys. Using specialized equipment and expertise to create and interpret CT scans, an experienced radiologist can accurately diagnose many causes of disease. CT of the body is a patient-friendly exam that involves little radiation exposure.
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