VARIABILITY OF HEPATIC VEIN DOPPLER TRACINGS IN NORMAL SUBJECTS

A prospective study was undertaken to determine the variability of hep atic vein Doppler waveforms in normal subjects. Seventy-five patients without liver or heart disease underwent Doppler examination of the mi ddle hepatic vein. Normal triphasic tracings were observed in 68 subje cts, while flattened tracings were observed in seven subjects. In addi tion, in four of the seven subjects with flattened tracings, an increa se in pulsatility was seen during prolonged inspiration. We conclude t hat there is variability of hepatic vein tracings in normal subjects a nd that respiratory maneuvers can alter these tracings.