Systematic analysis of the behavior of the hepatic vein Doppler during respiration allows recognition of normal and abnormal flow-patterns in right heart function.
Understanding the normal respiratory variation in hepatic vein Doppler flow is essential for assessing right heart function and distinguishing disease states.
Doppler interrogation of blood flow in the hepatic veins (HVs) is a part of any comprehensive echocardiographic examination. Data derived from the HV Doppler provide a useful tool for the assessment of right heart function. Beyond its dependence on the cardiac cycle, right heart hemodynamics, and compliance of the liver parenchyma, blood flow in the HVs is influenced by the respiratory cycle. Systematic analysis of the behavior of the HV Doppler during respiration allows one to recognize normal and abnormal flow-patterns and distinguish among various disease states that involve the right heart. In this manuscript we discuss the effect of respiration on the HV Doppler in individuals with normal right heart function.
Fadel et al. (2014) conducted a review in Normal right heart function. Respiration was evaluated. Systematic analysis of the behavior of the hepatic vein Doppler during respiration allows recognition of normal and abnormal flow-patterns in right heart function.