Doppler ultrasound of portal vein after liver transplantation

The portal vein waveform (PVW) with Doppler ultrasound (DU) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) was evaluated and its clinical value is discussed. This study included 19 grafts that have undergone OLT. The DU examinations were performed in the portal vein of graft daily in the first two weeks after OLT. Results indicate that the pulsatile waveform disappeared within two weeks without treatment. Arterio-portal shunts were demonstrated by angiography in three grafts, which showed pulsatile flow. High-degreed dilatations of PV were detected in two cases that showed turbulent flow. These findings of pulsatile PV after OLT should be considered in clinical examination.