In portal hypertension, Doppler ultrasound commonly shows which flow pattern in the portal vein?

Prepare for the WCUI/Smith Chason Exit Assessment – Abdomen, Vascular, OB/GYN Test. Enhance your study with flashcards and detailed multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Master your exit exam with confidence!

Multiple Choice

In portal hypertension, Doppler ultrasound commonly shows which flow pattern in the portal vein?

Explanation:
In portal hypertension the portal venous system often loses its normal forward flow toward the liver and instead shows flow away from the liver. This reversal happens because high pressure in the portal system drives blood into portosystemic collaterals, so Doppler ultrasound detects hepatofugal flow, which is blood moving away from the liver. Normal or toward-the-liver flow (hepatopetal) is typical in healthy individuals, and bidirectional or absent flow can occur in other conditions (like complex shunts or thrombosis) but are not the characteristic pattern of portal hypertension.

In portal hypertension the portal venous system often loses its normal forward flow toward the liver and instead shows flow away from the liver. This reversal happens because high pressure in the portal system drives blood into portosystemic collaterals, so Doppler ultrasound detects hepatofugal flow, which is blood moving away from the liver. Normal or toward-the-liver flow (hepatopetal) is typical in healthy individuals, and bidirectional or absent flow can occur in other conditions (like complex shunts or thrombosis) but are not the characteristic pattern of portal hypertension.

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