Validity of ultrasonic duplex system for measurement of the portal blood flow in patients with liver disease.

The validity of an ultrasonic duplex system for assessment of portal blood flow was clinically investigated. The maximum portal blood flow velocity was measured using this system (X) in ten patients with liver disease, and data obtained were compared on patients simultaneously undergoing cineangiographic mapping of Lipiodol droplets released into the portal vein through an indwelling catheter (Y). A linear correlation between X and Y was statistically significant (r = 0.970, n = 13). The ultrasonic duplex system proved reliable for a quantitative assessment of portal hemodynamics.