SONOGRAPHIC FINDINGS IN NONCIRRHOTIC PORTAL FIBROSIS

Purpose. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sonographic appeara nces of noncirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF). Methods. Between 1983 and 1996, 12 patients between the ages of 16 and 60 years were diagnosed with NCPF on the basis of medical history and clinical, imaging, and b iopsy findings. Results. Sonograms for all patients showed hyperechoic bands surrounding the portal vein branches, which were separated from adjacent liver parenchyma by a hypoechoic stripe. All liver biopsy sp ecimens showed nonspecific changes and no cirrhosis. Histologic findin gs included fibrosis and some obliteration of the intrahepatic portal veins. Conclusions. If sonography of the liver shows increased echogen icity of the walls of the portal vessels with a hypoechoic stripe betw een the wall and the adjacent river parenchyma in a patient who has po rtal hypertension and normal liver function tests, NCPF should be cons idered. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.