Analysis of respiratory changes in hepatic vein Doppler flow helps distinguish among various disease states affecting the right heart and serves as a useful diagnostic tool.
How can respiratory changes in hepatic vein Doppler flow be used to diagnose right heart and pericardial diseases?
Hepatic vein Doppler analysis, specifically assessing respiratory changes, is a valuable diagnostic tool for distinguishing diseases affecting the right heart and pericardium.
The flow pattern in the hepatic veins ( HV s) is dependent on the cardiac cycle and right heart hemodynamics and influenced by the respiratory cycle and the liver parenchyma. Most disease states that affect the right heart alter the HV Doppler in a manner independent of the respiratory cycle. Some diseases that typically involve the pericardium, right ventricular myocardium, or respiratory system confer characteristic changes to the HV flow in a manner dependent on the respiratory cycle. Analysis of the HV Doppler with assessment of the respiratory changes in flow and their timing helps to distinguish among the various disease states. In this manuscript, we discuss the effect of respiration on HV flow in patients with abnormal right heart function and illustrate the use of the respiratory changes in the HV Doppler as a tool for diagnosis.
Fadel et al. (2014) conducted a review in Abnormal right heart function. Hepatic vein Doppler analysis of respiratory changes was evaluated. Analysis of respiratory changes in hepatic vein Doppler flow helps distinguish among various disease states affecting the right heart and serves as a useful diagnostic tool.