A new discrete dipole kernel for quantitative susceptibility mapping.

PURPOSE: Most approaches for quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) are based on a forward model approximation that employs a continuous Fourier transform operator to solve a differential equation system. Such formulation, however, is prone to high-frequency aliasing. The aim of this study was to reduce such errors using an alternative dipole kernel formulation based on the discrete Fourier transform and discrete operators. METHODS: The impact of such an approach on forward model calculation and susceptibility inversion was evaluated in contrast to the continuous formulation both with synthetic phantoms and in vivo MRI data. RESULTS: The discrete kernel demonstrated systematically better fits to analytic field solutions, and showed less over-oscillations and aliasing artifacts while preserving low- and medium-frequency responses relative to those obtained with the continuous kernel. In the context of QSM estimation, the use of the proposed discrete kernel resulted in error reduction and increased sharpness. CONCLUSION: This proof-of-concept study demonstrated that discretizing the dipole kernel is advantageous for QSM. The impact on small or narrow structures such as the venous vasculature might by particularly relevant to high-resolution QSM applications with ultra-high field MRI - a topic for future investigations. The proposed dipole kernel has a straightforward implementation to existing QSM routines.

Consenso sobre la profilaxis y tratamiento de la enfermedad tromboembólica venosa en la lesión medular y en el daño cerebral adquirido / Prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism in spinal cord injury and acquired brain injury

La enfermedad tromboembólica venosa es un proceso patológico que abarca tanto la trombosis venosa profunda como el tromboembolismo pulmonar. Son muchos los estudios que recogen la alta incidencia de esta enfermedad en pacientes afectos de lesiones neurológicas como la lesión medular, el traumatismo craneoencefálico o el ictus, todos ellos pacientes susceptibles de ingreso en centros de rehabilitación. En la literatura publicada existe controversia acerca de la necesidad de screening de enfermedad tromboembólica venosa en estos pacientes, el tiempo de mantenimiento de la profilaxis o los fármacos a utilizar tanto en la profilaxis como una vez se establece la sospecha o el diagnóstico definitivo de dicha enfermedad. Con esta revisión de la literatura pretendemos hacer un consenso para intentar aclarar dudas y establecer unas directrices de sospecha, diagnóstico y tratamiento que nos ayuden en la práctica clínica diaria

Venous thromboembolism is a disease that includes both deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Many studies reflect the high incidence of this disease in patients with neurological injuries such as, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, or stroke, and all these patients are candidates for admission to rehabilitation centres. There is controversy in the published literature on the need for screening of deep vein thrombosis in these patients, time on prophylaxis drug maintenance or the drugs to use for prophylaxis once suspected or when the definite diagnosis of this disease is established. A review of the literature is presented in order to attempt to clarify these doubts and establish guidelines for suspicion, diagnosis and treatment to help us in daily clinical practice

A pilot study of patient-specific cardiovascular MDCT dose maps and their utility in estimating patient-specific organ and effective doses in obese patients.

BACKGROUND: Estimates of effective dose (E) for cardiovascular CT are obtained from a scanner-provided dose metric, the dose-length product (DLP), and a conversion factor. These estimates may not adequately represent the risk of a specific scan to obese adults. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to create dose maps sensitive to patient size and anatomy in the irradiated region from a patient's own CT images and compare measured E (EDoseMap) to doses determined from standard DLP conversion (EDLP) in obese adults. METHODS: 21 obese patients (mean body mass index, 39 kg/m(2)) underwent CT of the pulmonary veins, thoracic aorta, or coronary arteries. DLP values were converted to E. A Monte Carlo tool was used to simulate X-ray photon interaction with virtual phantoms created from each patient's image set. Organ doses were determined from dose maps. EDoseMap was computed as a weighted sum of organ doses multiplied by tissue-weighting factors. RESULTS: EDLP (mean ± SD, 5.7 ± 3.3 mSv) was larger than EDoseMap (3.4 ± 2.4 mSv) (difference = 2.3; P < .001). CONCLUSION: Dose maps derived from patient CT images yielded lower effective doses than DLP conversion methods. Considering over all patient size, organ size, and tissue composition could lead to better dose metrics for obese patients.

Comparative occupational radiation exposure between fixed and mobile imaging systems.

OBJECTIVE: Endovascular intervention exposes surgical staff to scattered radiation, which varies according to procedure and imaging equipment. The purpose of this study was to determine differences in occupational exposure between procedures performed with fixed imaging (FI) in an endovascular suite compared with conventional mobile imaging (MI) in a standard operating room. METHODS: A series of 116 endovascular cases were performed over a 4-month interval in a dedicated endovascular suite with FI and conventional operating room with MI. All cases were performed at a single institution and radiation dose was recorded using real-time dosimetry badges from Unfors RaySafe (Hopkinton, Mass). A dosimeter was mounted in each room to establish a radiation baseline. Staff dose was recorded using individual badges worn on the torso lead. Total mean air kerma (Kar; mGy, patient dose) and mean case dose (mSv, scattered radiation) were compared between rooms and across all staff positions for cases of varying complexity. Statistical analyses for all continuous variables were performed using t test and analysis of variance where appropriate. RESULTS: A total of 43 cases with MI and 73 cases with FI were performed by four vascular surgeons. Total mean Kar, and case dose were significantly higher with FI compared with MI. (mean ± standard error of the mean, 523 ± 49 mGy vs 98 ± 19 mGy; P < .00001; 0.77 ± 0.03 mSv vs 0.16 ± 0.08 mSv, P < .00001). Exposure for the primary surgeon and assistant was significantly higher with FI compared with MI. Mean exposure for all cases using either imaging modality, was significantly higher for the primary surgeon and assistant than for support staff (ie, nurse, radiology technologist) beyond 6 feet from the X-ray source, indicated according to one-way analysis of variance (MI: P < .00001; FI: P < .00001). Support staff exposure was negligible and did not differ between FI and MI. Room dose stratified according to case complexity (Kar) showed statistically significantly higher scattered radiation in FI vs MI across all quartiles. CONCLUSIONS: The scattered radiation is several-fold higher with FI than MI across all levels of case complexity. Radiation exposure decreases with distance from the radiation source, and is negligible outside of a 6-foot radius. Modern endovascular suites allow high-fidelity imaging, yet additional strategies to minimize exposure and occupational risk are needed.

Dynamic multidetector CT and non-contrast-enhanced MR for right adrenal vein imaging: comparison with catheter venography in adrenal venous sampling.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate visualization of the right adrenal vein (RAV) with multidetector CT and non-contrast-enhanced MR imaging in patients with primary aldosteronism. METHODS: A total of 125 patients (67 men) scheduled for adrenal venous sampling (AVS) were included. Dynamic 64-detector-row CT and balanced steady-state free precession-based non-contrast-enhanced 3-T MR imaging were performed. RAV visualization based on a four-point score was documented. Both anatomical location and variation on cross-sectional imaging were evaluated, and the findings were compared with catheter venography as the gold standard. RESULTS: The RAV was visualized in 93.2% by CT and 84.8% by MR imaging (p = 0.02). Positive predictive values of RAV visualization were 100% for CT and 95.2% for MR imaging. Imaging score was significantly higher in CT than MR imaging (p < 0.01). The RAV formed a common trunk with an accessory hepatic vein in 16% of patients. The RAV orifice level on cross-sectional imaging was concordant with catheter venography within the range of 1/3 vertebral height in >70% of subjects. Success rate of AVS was 99.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic CT is a reliable way to map the RAV prior to AVS. Non-contrast-enhanced MR imaging is an alternative when there is a risk of complication from contrast media or radiation exposure. KEY POINTS: Dynamic CT and non-contrast-enhanced MR imaging detect the right adrenal vein (RAV). Dynamic CT can visualize the RAV more than non-contrast-enhanced MR imaging. Mapping the RAV helps to achieve successful adrenal venous sampling. Sixteen per cent of RAVs share the common trunk with accessory hepatic veins.

Cerebral CT Venography Using a 320-MDCT Scanner With a Time-Density Curve Technique and Low Volume of Contrast Agent: Comparison With Fixed Time-Delay Technique.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare a cerebral CT venography (CTV) technique performed on a 320-MDCT scanner with the use of a time-density curve (TDC) and a small volume of IV contrast medium (35 mL, with 15 mL used for the test bolus) with CTV performed using an established reference technique in which scanning is performed at a fixed time delay of 30 seconds with the use of a larger volume of contrast medium (100 mL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The time of peak enhancement was determined from the TDC generated from a scan in which a test bolus dose was used. CTV was performed at the time of peak enhancement. The diagnostic quality of 31 CTV venograms acquired using this technique was compared retrospectively with the diagnostic quality of 29 CTV venograms obtained at a fixed time delay of 30 seconds. The densities in the major venous sinuses and the degree of arterial contamination on the scans acquired using the two techniques were compared using objective and semiobjective methods. The semiobjective assessments were made independently by two neuroradiologists. RESULTS: Attenuation was higher in the venous structures seen on CTV images acquired using the TDC technique. Of the scans obtained using the TDC technique, the proportion deemed to be of good quality, on the basis of a grading scale, was statistically significantly higher (p < 0.05). Also, the degree of arterial contamination was statistically significantly lower (p < 0.05). The interrater agreement for semiobjective assessments ranged from good to very good. CONCLUSION: We describe a CTV technique performed using a low volume of IV contrast medium and a TDC on a 320-MDCT scanner. This technique provides better venous opacification and lower arterial contamination compared with use of the fixed time-delay technique.

A Coaxial Guide Wire-Catheter Technique to Facilitate Right Adrenal Vein Sampling: Evaluation in 76 Patients.

A technique to facilitate blood sampling from the right adrenal vein is described. Between May 2012 and February 2015, 148 adrenal vein sampling (AVS) procedures were attempted. In 72 procedures, a simple 5-F end-hole catheter was employed. In 76, a coaxial guide wire technique was used when blood could not be aspirated, whereby a 0.018-inch guide wire was passed through the catheter and into a branch of the right adrenal vein and the sample was drawn around the wire by using a side-arm adaptor. Successful sampling was achieved in 71 of the 72 catheter-only procedures (98.6%) and in 75 of the 76 coaxial wire-assisted procedures (98.7%). This simple technique may eliminate the need for multiple catheter exchanges during AVS.

Multidetector cardiac tomography: a useful tool before cardiac resynchronization therapy.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular lead placement in a suitable coronary vein is a key determi-nant of responsiveness to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Multidetector cardiac tomography (MDCT) is a non-invasive alternative to depict cardiac venous anatomy although coronary sinus (CS) retrograde venography (RV) is the gold standard. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of MDCT to determine the presence of CS tributaries before CRT. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 41 consecutive patients eligible to CRT was performed. MDCT was assessed in all patients before CRT and RV was achieved in 39 patients. Both methods evaluated the presence of the inferior interventricular vein (IIV), posterior vein (PV) and lateral main vein (LMV). CS ostium diameter and distance between the CS ostium and right atrium (RA) lateral wall were also measured. RESULTS: The IIV was identified in 100% of MDCT and in 43.6% of RV. In comparison to RV, the MDCT's sensitivity to identify PV and LMV was 100% for both, kappa coefficient of 0.792 (CI 95% 0.46-0.93) and 0.69 (CI 95% 0.46-0.91), respectively. There was no significant difference between ischemic and non-ischemic patients regarding the presence of PV or LMV. Median CS antero-posterior diameter was 10.3 mm (IQR 7.5-13) and supero-inferior was 14.1 mm (IQR 11.5-17) (p < 0.01). A positive correlation (p < 0.001) between echocardiographic RA area and the distance from CS ostium to the RA lateral wall in the MDCT was observed. CONCLUSIONS: MDCT is as accurate as RV to depict CS and its tributaries (IIV, PV, LMV), and it could be useful as a non-invasive technique before CRT.

Escleroterapia con etanol de las malformaciones vasculares de la cavidad oral / Alcohol sclerotherapy to treat vascular malformations in the oral cavity

Objetivo. Presentamos nuestra experiencia en la inyección intralesional de etanol como tratamiento único y efectivo de las malformaciones vasculares (MV) de la cavidad oral. Material y métodos. Se trataron 26 pacientes (12 varones y 14 mujeres) con malformaciones orales. El diagnóstico se estableció por los hallazgos clínicos (n = 26), los estudios de resonancia magnética (n = 19), de arteriografía (n = 5) y de flebografía percutánea por punción directa (n = 2). Para la esclerosis de las lesiones se empleó etanol absoluto mediante punción directa. Todas las intervenciones se realizaron con sedación profunda. Resultados. Se trataron 28 MV de diferentes tamaños, con una mediana de diámetro máximo de 24,5 mm (7-60), presentes en la cavidad oral durante una media de 13,6 años (0,2-54) en 26 pacientes. La mediana de edad fue de 44,5 años (12-87). Los criterios para el tratamiento de las malformaciones fueron: aumento de tamaño (n = 8), sangrado local (n = 11), riesgo de sangrado durante una extracción dental (n = 5), dolor (n = 1), trastorno estético (n = 3). Localización de las lesiones: 12 en la mucosa yugal, 5 en la encía vestibular, 6 en la mucosa labial, 3 en la lengua, una en la región pterigomandibular y una en el paladar. La dosis mediana de etanol fue de 3,2 ml. Veinte lesiones desaparecieron tras una única inyección, 5 tras 2 sesiones, 2 tras 3 sesiones, y una tras 5 sesiones. En 20 casos las lesiones desaparecieron, en 6 persistió una mácula azulada y en 2 persistió un efecto de masa. Los síntomas mejoraron en todos los pacientes. Las complicaciones asociadas a la escleroterapia intralesional fueron pasajeras: inflamación local, parestesia perioral en 2 pacientes, y necrosis de la mucosa yugal en uno. Conclusiones. La esclerosis con etanol es un procedimiento eficaz para el tratamiento de pacientes con MV de la cavidad oral (AU)

Objective: To present our experience in treating vascular malformations in the oral cavity solely by injecting ethanol into the lesions. Material and methods: We treated 26 patients (12 men and 14 women) with oral malformations. The diagnosis was based on clinical findings (n=26), magnetic resonance imaging studies (n=19), angiography findings (n=5), and direct puncture venography (n=2). To achieve sclerosis, we administered absolute ethanol through direct puncture. All interventions were performed under deep sedation. Results: The vascular malformations treated ranged from 7 mm to 60 mm (median: 24.5 mm) in maximum diameter and had been present in the oral cavity for 0.2 to 54 years (mean: 13.6 years). The median age of the patients was 44.5 years (range: 12-87 years). The reason for treatment of the malformation was: an increase in size (n=8), local bleeding (n=11), risk of bleeding during dental extraction (n=5), pain (n=1), and esthetic purposes (n=3). Lesions were located in the mucosa of the cheek (n=12), in the facial gingiva (n=5), in the labial mucosa (n=6), in the tongue (n=3), in the pterygomandibular region (n=1), and in the palate (n=1). The median dose of ethanol was 3.2 mL. Twenty lesions disappeared after a single injection session, five after two sessions, two after three sessions, and one after five sessions. In 20 cases all signs of the lesions disappeared, in 6 a bluish macule persisted, and in 2 a mass effect persisted. The symptoms improved in all patients. Only transient complications of sclerotherapy were observed: local inflammation, perioral paresthesia in two patients, and necrosis of the mucosa of the cheek in one. Conclusions: Alcohol sclerotherapy is an efficacious procedure for treating vascular malformations in the oral cavity (AU)

[Obstructive scleroobliteration as atreatment of varicocele].

Authors developed and used the method of obstructive scleroobliteration with use of occlusive balloon catheter as a treatment for 32 patients. Advantages of this method: 1. Possibility of scleroobliteration in isolated area of the left internal testicular vein and its branches. 2 Improvement of sclerosant influence on venous wall by means of aspiration of blood and contrast agent of blocked vein. 3. Decrease of contrast agent by means of it aspiration after performed phlebography. 4. Prophylaxis of negative effect (allergy, thrombotic complications) of sclerosant by means of it partial aspiration and extravasal compression of proximal part of vein. 5. No late relapse. This method allow to perform an effective scleroobliteration with exclusion of testicular vein and venous collateral without special technical skills and cost increase. Aspiration of sclerosant in a lumen of vein allows to decrease the amount of surgical complications.

Persistent left superior vena cava: review of the literature, clinical implications, and relevance of alterations in thoracic central venous anatomy as pertaining to the general principles of central venous access device placement and venography in cancer patients.

Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) represents the most common congenital venous anomaly of the thoracic systemic venous return, occurring in 0.3% to 0.5% of individuals in the general population, and in up to 12% of individuals with other documented congential heart abnormalities. In this regard, there is very little in the literature that specifically addresses the potential importance of the incidental finding of PLSVC to surgeons, interventional radiologists, and other physicians actively involved in central venous access device placement in cancer patients. In the current review, we have attempted to comprehensively evaluate the available literature regarding PLSVC. Additionally, we have discussed the clinical implications and relevance of such congenital aberrancies, as well as of treatment-induced or disease-induced alterations in the anatomy of the thoracic central venous system, as they pertain to the general principles of successful placement of central venous access devices in cancer patients. Specifically regarding PLSVC, it is critical to recognize its presence during attempted central venous access device placement and to fully characterize the pattern of cardiac venous return (i.e., to the right atrium or to the left atrium) in any patient suspected of PLSVC prior to initiation of use of their central venous access device.

Síndrome de Budd Chiari agudo / Acute Budd Chiari Syndrome

El Síndrome de Budd Chiari se caracteriza por la obstrucción del retorno venoso de los venas hepáticas, la vena cava inferior o la aurícula derecha. El presente caso ilustra el índice de sospecha clínica necesario para el diagnóstico precoz del Síndrome de Budd Chiari cuando las pruebas complementarias iniciales (transaminasasas y ECO Abdominal) no son concluyentes (AU)

Budd Chiari Syndrome is characterised by the obstruction of venous return of the hepatic veins, the inferior vena cava and the right atrium. This case illustrates the index of clinical suspicion necessary for early diagnosis of Budd Chari Syndrome when initial complementary tests (transaminases and abdominal ultrasound) are not conclusive (AU)

Indirect computed tomography venography with a low-tube-voltage technique: reduction in the radiation and contrast material dose--a prospective randomized study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of low-tube-voltage computed tomography (CT) venography on qualitative and quantitative image parameters and the radiation dose. METHODS: Eighty-eight studies on 84 patients underwent pelvic and lower-extremity CT venography under protocol A (standard 120 kV with 150 mL of contrast material, n = 44) or protocol B (80 kV with 100 mL of contrast material, n = 44) on a 64-detector CT scanner. We compared the dose length product in the 2 protocols. Two blinded observers measured CT attenuation in the veins, the image noise, contrast-to-noise ratio, and figure of merit. RESULTS: The mean dose length product was significantly lower under protocol B than A (603.2 [SD, 67.2] vs 1131.7 [SD, 67.0] mGy × cm) (P < 0.01). Mean CT attenuation of the veins was significantly greater with protocol B (125.3 [SD, 16.2] vs 106.1 [SD, 16.0] Hounsfield units) (P < 0.01), and the mean image noise was also significantly higher under protocol B (6.6 [SD, 0.8] vs 4.9 [SD, 0.7] Hounsfield units) (P < 0.01). There was no difference in contrast-to-noise ratio (P = 0.46). Figure of merit was significantly higher under protocol B (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Computed tomography venography with a low-tube-voltage technique allows reducing the radiation dose and the amount of contrast material without image quality degradation.

Multidetector CT of blunt traumatic venous injuries in the chest, abdomen, and pelvis.

Venous injuries as a result of blunt trauma are rare. Even though current protocols for multidetector computed tomography (CT) of patients with trauma are designed to evaluate primarily the solid organs and arteries, blunt venous injuries may nevertheless be identified, or at least suspected, on the basis of the multidetector CT findings. Venous injuries are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Diagnosis of a possible venous injury is crucial because the physical findings of a venous injury are nonspecific and may be absent. This article aims to make the radiologist aware of various venous injuries caused by blunt trauma and to provide helpful hints to aid in the identification of venous injuries. Multidetector CT technology, in combination with interactive manipulation of the raw dataset, can be useful in the creation of multiplanar reconstructed images and in the identification of a venous injury caused by blunt trauma. Familiarity with direct and indirect signs of venous injuries, as well as with examples of blunt traumatic venous injuries in the chest, abdomen, and pelvis, will help in the diagnosis of these injuries.

An initiative to minimize amount of contrast media utilizing a novel rotational coronary sinus occlusive venography technique with ordinary cath-lab X-ray machine during CRT implantation.

BACKGROUND: Rotational angiography is one of the latest angiographic modalities to map the coronary venous tree anatomy. It provides a significant reduction in both contrast agent usage and radiation dose (up to 30%), without compromising the clinical utility of images. Hence, the present study was conducted to describe a new technique to minimize the amount of contrast media used during cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) implantation. METHOD: The SL3 sheath was inserted into the right atrium via the femoral vein followed by withdrawal of the dilator. The tip of the sheath was manipulated to the vicinity of the coronary sinus (CS) ostium (OS). The CS was entered using a deflated balloon catheter. The sheath was then advanced gently beyond the CS OS. Occlusive venography was performed using 5-8 ml of contrast media in a rotational view starting from 45 degrees LAO to 0 degrees AP while holding the inflated balloon for a few seconds. RESULT: Data from 30 consecutive patients who underwent CRT implantation were analyzed. The feasibility of rotational angiography, while occluding the CS with a specialized long, preshaped sheath and using an ordinary cath-lab imaging machine, was supported by the correctly delineated CS anatomy of all patients without any complications and death related to the placement of the CS catheters or sheaths. The mean contrast dose used for the entire procedure in all patients undergoing CRT was 14.76 +/- 6.8 ml. CONCLUSION: Use of rotational CS occlusive venography utilizing an ordinary cath-lab X-ray machine minimizes the use of contrast media during CRT implantation without compromising the visualized anatomy.

Equine venography and its clinical application in North America.

The digital venogram uses contrast radiography to evaluate the soft tissues and vasculature of the foot, thus identifying pathology attributable to laminitis. Pathology can be detected before changes appear on plain-film radiographs. When used in conjunction with clinical and radiographic findings, information gained from a venographic study informs and directs treatment. Serial venograms assess the response to treatment and help determine prognosis early in the course of therapy. If the venographic contrast pattern does not improve, either the treatment needs to be altered, or the damage is so extensive that there can be no favorable response to treatment.

Diagnosing deep vein thrombosis.

In this article, we discuss the approach for diagnosing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in different patient populations. Clinical features and probability assessment guide further diagnostic tests. D-dimer testing is used as screening test; however, duplex ultrasound remains the primary confirmatory test. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are used only in select patient populations, such as when ultrasound results are equivocal, in patients suspected of central venous DVT, or as a part of combined protocol for diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. Contrast phlebography and plethysmography do not have much of a role during routine diagnosis of DVT.

64-row multidetector computed tomography portal venography of gastric variceal collateral circulation.

AIM: To study characteristics of collateral circulation of gastric varices (GVs) with 64-row multidetector computer tomography portal venography (MDCTPV). METHODS: 64-row MDCTPV with a slice thickness of 0.625 mm and a scanning field from 2 cm above the tracheal bifurcation to the lower edge of the kidney was performed in 86 patients with GVS diagnosed by endoscopy. The computed tomography protocol included unenhanced, arterial and portal vein phases. The MDCTPV was performed on an AW4.3 workstation. GVs were classified into three types according to Sarin's Classification. The afferent and efferent veins of each type of GV were observed. RESULTS: The afferent venous drainage originated mostly from the left gastric vein alone (LGV) (28/86, 32.59%), or the LGV more than the posterior gastric vein/short gastric vein [LGV > posterior gastric vein/short gastric vein (PGV/SGV)] (22/86, 25.58%), as seen by MDCTPV. The most common efferent venous drainage was via the azygos vein to the superior vena cava (53/86, 61.63%), or via the gastric/splenorenal shunt (37/86, 43.02%) or inferior phrenic vein (8/86, 9.30%) to the inferior vena cava. In patients with gastroesophageal varices type 1, the afferent venous drainage of GV mainly originated from the LGV or LGV > PGV/SGV (43/48, 89.58%), and the efferent venous drainage was mainly via the azygos vein to the super vena cava (43/48, 89.58%), as well as via the gastric/splenorenal shunt (8/48, 16.67%) or inferior phrenic vein (3/48, 6.25%) to the inferior vena cava. In patients with gastroesophageal varices type 2, the afferent venous drainage of the GV mostly came from the PGV/SGV more than the LGV (PGV/SGV > LGV) (8/16, 50%), and the efferent venous drainage was via the azygos vein (10/16, 62.50%) and gastric/splenorenal shunt (9/16, 56.25%). In patients with isolated gastric varices, the main afferent venous drainage was via the PGV/SGV alone (16/22, 72.73%), and the efferent venous drainage was mainly via the gastric/splenorenal shunt (20/22, 90.91%), as well as the inferior phrenic vein (3/23) to the inferior vena cava. CONCLUSION: MDCTPV can clearly display the afferent and efferent veins of all types of GV, and it could provide useful reference information for the clinical management of GV bleeding.