Role Of Portal Vein Color Doppler And Splenic Size To Evaluate Portal Hypertension And Its Correlation With Eosophageal Varices

Abstract

Background:Portal hypertension is a major complication of liver cirrhosis, leading to life-threatening conditions such as gastro-esophageal varices and variceal bleeding. Endoscopy remains the gold standard for variceal detection, but its invasiveness limits routine use. Non-invasive techniques such as Color Doppler ultrasonography offer a safer alternative for assessing portal hemodynamics and splenic size in predicting portal hypertension severity.

Aim:To evaluate the role of portal vein Color Doppler parameters and splenic size in assessing portal hypertension and their correlation with the presence of gastro-esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients.

Materials and Methods:A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 50 cirrhotic patients at Aarupadai Veedu Medical College and Hospital, Pondicherry, from October 2017 to September 2019. Portal vein diameter, mean flow velocity, splenic size, and related Doppler indices were recorded using Color Doppler ultrasonography. Findings were correlated with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy results for the presence and grade of varices. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, with p < 0.05 considered significant.

Results:Gastro-esophageal varices were detected in 62% of patients. A significant association (p < 0.001) was observed between varices and increased portal vein diameter (>12.25 mm), reduced portal vein velocity, and splenic enlargement (>13.9 cm). Logistic regression confirmed these as significant predictors of portal hypertension.

Conclusion:Portal vein Doppler indices and splenic size serve as reliable, non-invasive parameters for predicting gastro-esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients. These ultrasonographic markers can aid early risk stratification and reduce dependence on invasive procedures