ABSTRACT

Aim:

To evaluate the frequency of intrapancreatic collaterals in patients with cavernous transformation of the portal vein, in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic groups.

Materials and Methods:

We evaluated MR angiography images of 41 patients with cavernous transformation of the portal vein. Twenty-one of these patients had cirrhosis (Group I), and 20 patients had other causes of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) (Group II). MR studies were performed between September 2006-February 2010 using 1-T MRI system. MR images were reviewed by two radiologists, for the presence of intrapancreatic collaterals and the extension of the PVT.

Results:

Intrapancreatic collaterals were present in 25 of 41 (61%) patients (11 patients in Group I, 14 patients in Group II). Statistically there was no significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05). Mass effect caused by the intrapancreatic collaterals was not detected in any of our patients. The PVT was extending to the superior mesenteric vein and/or splenic vein in 22 of the 25 patients (88%) with intrapancretic collaterals.

Conclusion:

Intrapancreatic collaterals are common in patients with cavernous transformation of the portal vein. Cirrhosis does not seem to affect the frequency of intrapancreatic collaterals. The extension of PVT plays the major role in the formation of intrapancreatic collaterals.