Computed Tomography Images of Spontaneous Portosystemic Shunt in Liver Cirrhosis

Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2022 Jun 8:2022:3231144. doi: 10.1155/2022/3231144. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Spontaneous portosystemic shunt (SPSS) refers to collateral vessels that communicate between the portal vein system and systemic circulation. SPSS mainly includes esophageal varices, gastric varices, left gastric vein, recanalized paraumbilical vein, abdominal wall varices, and spontaneous splenorenal shunt. SPSS contributes to the development of hepatic encephalopathy caused by portal vein inflow bypassing and carries a higher risk of death in liver cirrhosis. Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography is a major imaging approach to establish a diagnosis of SPSS and evaluate its location and feature. This review primarily describes the main contrast-enhanced CT features of SPSS in liver cirrhosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Esophageal and Gastric Varices* / complications
  • Esophageal and Gastric Varices* / etiology
  • Hepatic Encephalopathy* / diagnostic imaging
  • Hepatic Encephalopathy* / etiology
  • Humans
  • Liver Cirrhosis / complications
  • Liver Cirrhosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic* / adverse effects
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods