Hemodynamic indicators in the superior mesenteric vein in patients with hepatic cirrhosis

Abstract

Introduction. Blood from the small intestine drains through the superior mesenteric vein. Defective blood flow, caused by hemodynamic deviations, lead to intestinal ischemia. Under these conditions, the cells of the digestive tract undergo necrosis with subsequent onset of inflammation and ulcerations in the digestive tract, thus impairing food absorption and causing bloody diarrhea. The purpose of the study consists in studying the blood supply in the superior mesenteric vein with Doppler quantification in liver cirrhosis. Material and methods. 62 patients with liver cirrhosis - 46 men, 16 women, average age - 39±0.21 years, were studied. The parameters were calculated by Doppler quantification in the mesenteric vessels. The descriptive statistical test was applied. Results. The diameter of the superior mesenteric vein (SVM) is 0.53±0.04 cm (0.87±0.02 cm), but doesn’t exceed 1.0 cm; normal volumetric flow 194±25 ml/min; mean VLC is 14.8±1.5 cm/s. As the disease progresses, the volumetric flow decreases: oscillating between 179±0.13 ml/min and 185±0.5 ml/min. The maximum linear velocity of the circuit (VLC), on average, becomes accelerated over time– 17.9±0.6 cm/s. The resistance index averaged - 0.38; the pulsatility index - 1.26. Conclusions. 1. The diameter of the superior mesenteric vein expands considerably, mainly during inspiration. 2. Dilation of the superior mesenteric vein reduces the velocity of systolic, diastolic and mean blood flow.