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Japanese Journal of Radiology
Published in: Japanese Journal of Radiology 9/2017

01-09-2017 | Original Article

The evaluation of the right inferior phrenic artery diameter in cirrhotic patients

Authors: Kaan Esen, Yuksel Balci, Sermin Tok, Enver Ucbilek, Engin Kara, Omer Kaya

Published in: Japanese Journal of Radiology | Issue 9/2017

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between right inferior phrenic artery diameter and portal hypertension in cirrhotic patients.

Methods

CT examinations of 38 patients with chronic liver disease (patient group) and 40 patients without any liver disease (control group) were evaluated. The right inferior phrenic artery diameter of the patient and control group were measured. CT findings of portal hypertension, which were accepted as ascites, collaterals, splenomegaly and portal vein diameter greater than 13 mm, were determined and scored in the patient group. Patients obtained scores between one and four with respect to portal hypertension findings, and the scores were compared with phrenic artery diameters. Child-Pugh and MELD scores of the patients were also calculated.

Results

The mean diameter of the right inferior phrenic artery in the patient group was larger than that in the control group (p < 0.001). The mean phrenic artery diameter of the patients with score 1 was significantly different from those with score 2 (p = 0.028), score 3 (p = 0.001) and score 4 (p = 0.005). We found a linear and moderate relationship between phrenic artery diameter values and Child-Pugh scores (p = 0.012, r = 0.405).

Conclusion

Dilatation of the right inferior phrenic artery in cirrhotic patients may be a nonspecific sign of developing portal hypertension.
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Metadata
Title
The evaluation of the right inferior phrenic artery diameter in cirrhotic patients
Authors
Kaan Esen
Yuksel Balci
Sermin Tok
Enver Ucbilek
Engin Kara
Omer Kaya
Publication date
01-09-2017
Publisher
Springer Japan
Published in
Japanese Journal of Radiology / Issue 9/2017
Print ISSN: 1867-1071
Electronic ISSN: 1867-108X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11604-017-0662-7

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