Portal Vein Diameter in the Diagnosis of Portal Hypertension Confirmed on Serum-Ascites Albumin Concentration Gradient in Patients with Decompensated Chronic Liver Disease

Abstract

Objective: In patients with chronic liver disease, determine the accuracy of portal vein diameter in the diagnosis of portal hypertension confirmed on Serum-Ascites Albumin Concentration Gradient.

Study Design: Cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in the Department of Medicine at AbbasiShaheed Hospital, Karachi for a period of six months from January to June 2012.

Materials and Methods: Seventy patients with decompensated CLD were included in this study. The routine testing of ascitic fluid was included total protein, albumin and cell count. All patients underwent ultrasonography of abdomen.

Results: The average age of the patients was 48.97±7.52 years. 47(67.1%) were male and 23(32.9%) were female. In the diagnosis of portal hypertension confirmed by serum ascites albumin of decompensated chronic liver disease 95.7% positive accuracy of portal vein diameter was found.  

Conclusion: Our study of small predominantly male sample found a very high positive accuracy of portal vein diameter in determining portal hypertension. The results are similar to previous researches that have also shown a higher accuracy rates but slightly lower than our study.