Portal vein aneurysms with multiple associated findings

Abstract

Background: This study was done to investigate imaging features of portal vein aneurysms (PVA) associated with multiple associated findings and discuss the value of three-dimensional multiphase contrast-enhanced MR angiography (3D DCE-MRA) in detecting PVA. Patients and methods: 3D DCE-MRA with comprehensive use of various post processing methods was performed in 10 PVA patients. Imaging features of these PVA were analyzed. Results: Of the 10 patients, PVA were located in the splenic vein in three cases, in the intrahepatic portal vein in three cases, at the confluence of the superior mesenteric vein and splenic vein in two cases, and in the main portal vein in two cases. The maximal diameter of the PVA varied from 2.0 cm to 8.39 cm (mean ± SD, 3.72 ± 1.84 cm). There were several cases associated with multiple associated findings, such as cavernous transformation of the portal vein, arterio-portal fistulas, arteriovenous malformation and multiple aneurysms of the splenic artery. Conclusions: 3D DCE-MRA proved to be effective in detecting PVA, improving the diagnosis of associated findings, and in supplying more information for clinical treatment of PVA.