Portal hemodynamics in fulminant hepatic failure as assessed by duplex Doppler ultrasonography

Portal hypertension usually occurs in patients with fulminant hepatic failu re (FHF). There is, however, no information on portal venous hemodynamics i n patients with FHF. Therefore, we studied the portal venous hemodynamics i n patients with FHF using duplex Doppler ultrasonography. We measured the p ortal vein diameter, flow velocity, and volume flow with duplex Doppler ult rasonography in 29 patients with FHF and 15 patients with uncomplicated acu te viral hepatitis. No significant difference was observed in the portal ve in parameters in the two groups. Nineteen patients with FHF survived. No di fference in portal flow velocity and flow rate was observed between survivo rs and nonsurvivors. A significantly lower portal flow velocity was observe d in nine patients of FHF with ascites compared with those without ascites (12.29 +/- 2.81 vs 16.26 +/- 4.87 cm/sec; P < 0.01). Portal hemodynamics do not significantly change in fulminant hepatic failure; therefore, it has n o prognostic significance.