ROLE OF DOPPLER ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN EVALUATING HEPATIC VASCULAR CHANGES IN LIVER CIRRHOSIS

Abstract

Background: Liver cirrhosis is associated with significant vascular complications such as portal hypertension, portal vein thrombosis, and changes in hepatic artery resistive index (HARI). Doppler Ultrasonography (DU) is a widely accessible tool that provides real-time assessment of hepatic vascularity. This study aims to evaluate the role of DU in detecting vascular changes in cirrhosis patients. Methods: This cross sectional observational study included 60 patients with clinically diagnosed liver cirrhosis, referred for hepatic vascular evaluation using Doppler Ultrasonography. Parameters such as portal vein diameter, portal vein velocity, HARI, and the presence of portal vein thrombosis were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21.0, with a p-value < 0.05 considered statistically significant.