IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Cavernous transformation of the portal vein

Case contributed by Bálint Botz
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Chronic recurrent pancreatitis with liver abscesses, and markedly elevated CRP. Phyiscal exam suggestive of ascites.

Patient Data

Age: 60 years
Gender: Male
  • multiple complex fluid-filled cystic abnormalities in the liver suggestive of abscesses
  • significant amount of free fluid in the pelvis, septated complex free fluid adjacent to the liver
  • portal vein can not be identified, instead meandering venous branches are visible in the porta hepatis, indicating portal vein thrombosis and consequent cavernous transformation

The cavernous transformation can be better appreciated in the cine loop.

CT (9 days later)

ct

CT provided for explanation:

  • significant amount of intraperitoneal free fluid
  • multiple cystic lesions in the liver containing relatively low density fluid - most likely represent abscesses
  • portal vein is occluded, cavernous portal transformation is striking. Well-developed collateral veins
  • inhomogenous, atrophied pancreas with surrounding diffuse fat stranding representing chronic pancreatitis, marked dilation of the pancreatic duct
  • hypodense gastric antral and duodenal wall, possibly due to inflammation
  • other unrelated findings: gallstone, chronic kidney disease, bilateral adrenal hyperplasia

Case Discussion

Typical presentation of chronic portal vein thrombosis with cavernous transformation of the porta hepatis that developed as a complication of chronic pancreatitis. This pathology has a striking, characteristic appearance on ultrasound, but can be easily missed if color Doppler is not applied. In a similar scenario, the presence of a newly developed ascites is an alarming feature that warrants careful scrutiny of the portal venous flow. 

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.