Arterial portography in the management of portal hypertension.

ARTERIAL portography is the study of the spleno-portal venous system by visceral arteriography. Four cases studied by this method are described to illustrate its value. In the management of portal hypertension, detailed knowledge of the cause of the hypertension and the availability of any veins that can be used for shunting purposes is essential; after a decompressive shunt has been performed, its exact status must be known, especially if the patient has gastrointestinal bleeding, or shows evidence of failing hepatic function. Arterial portography should give this information. It provides not only a practical alternative to splenoportography, but a more physiologic means of studying the portal circulation.