Sequential CT arterioportography-arteriosplenography depicts individual haemodynamic changes in children with portal hypertension without cirrhosis

We evaluated sequential computed tomography (CT) arterioportography-arteriosplenography for the assessment of venous pathways in children with portal hypertension without cirrhosis. Institutional Review Board approval was obtained for this retrospective, single-centre study. CT was performed after contrast application via catheters placed in the superior mesenteric artery (CT arterioportography) and the splenic artery (CT arteriosplenography) consecutively. Venous pathways in 22 children were evaluated. In all patients, the detailed haemodynamic consequences of portal hypertension could be characterised. The supply of varices at different locations could be assigned to the superior mesenteric vein or splenic vein system. Retrograde blood flow through the splenic vein and inferior mesenteric vein, portosystemic shunting, and patency of splanchnic veins were determined. CT arterioportography-arteriosplenography allowed a complete evaluation of individual haemodynamic pathways in children with portal hypertension.