ABSTRACT
Objective: To summarize the major ultrasonic manifestations of various hepatic vascular anomaly(HVA), so as to improve the ultrasonic diagnosis rate of HVA. Methods: The chief complaints, timing and mode of ultrasonic diagnosis of 18 patients with congenital HVA or post-liver transplantation HVA were retrospectively analyzed. Six of the 18 patients were subjected to detailed analysis. The major ultrasonic manifestations of various HVA were observed and experience of ultrasonic diagnosis was summarized. Results: The major vascular abnormalities in our group included hepatic vascular fistula (including fistulas between artery and vein, artery and portal vein, portal vein and hepatic vein, also a complex fistula among artery, portal vein and hepatic vein), portal aneurysm, congenital portal atresia and portal vein cavernous transformation; among which the portal atresia and the complex hepatic fistula involving hepatic artery, hepatic vein and portal vein were rarely described in the literature. Color Doppler ultrasound was the first choice for detection and diagnosis of HVA; contrast-enhanced ultrasound was sensitive and specific in diagnosis of all vascular fistulas due to its ability to display homodynamic phase. Conclusion: The wide application of Doppler and contrast-enhanced ultrasound examination improves the detection and diagnosis of HVA; diagnosis should be made based on scientific diagnosis mode and precise diagnosis planning.