Key result
Liver and pulmonary pathologies can alter hepatic vein flow patterns, dissociating them from right heart hemodynamics, which echocardiographers must recognize to avoid misdiagnosis.
Echocardiographers should be aware that liver and pulmonary pathologies can alter hepatic vein Doppler flow patterns, potentially dissociating them from right heart hemodynamics.
Alerts to misinterpretation risks in comorbid patients; leaves open prospective validation of refined Doppler criteria.
In most instances, the flow profile in the hepatic veins (HVs) reflects the fluctuation of pressure within the right atrium. Thus, interrogation of blood flow in the HVs is highly useful for the evaluation of right heart hemodynamics and has become an integral part of any routine echocardiographic examination. However, flow in the HVs is also affected by the state of the liver parenchyma and by the fluctuation of pressure within the thoracic cavity. Therefore, liver and pulmonary pathologies influence the flow pattern in the HVs and may lead to its dissociation from right heart hemodynamics. Echocardiographers should familiarize themselves with the findings on HV Doppler in noncardiac diseases to avoid misinterpretation and incorrect diagnosis.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Fadel et al. (2015) conducted a review in Noncardiac diseases (liver and pulmonary pathologies). Spectral Doppler of the Hepatic Veins was evaluated. Liver and pulmonary pathologies can alter hepatic vein flow patterns, dissociating them from right heart hemodynamics, which echocardiographers must recognize to avoid misdiagnosis.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: