Budd-Chiari syndrome: hepatic venous obstruction by an elevated diaphragm

We describe two cases of Budd-Chiari syndrome detected by magnetic resonanc e imaging that resulted from compression of the inferior vena cava by an el evated right hemidiaphragm. Magnetic resonance images demonstrated elevatio n of the right hemidiaphragm and medial deviation of the inferior vena cava with short segmental narrowing. The hepatic veins and inferior vena cava w ere patent but discontinuous. Hepatic venous drainage was assisted by multi ple large intrahepatic collaterals.