Radiology, Vol 145, 441-443, Copyright © 1982 by Radiological Society of North America
The sonographically patent umbilical vein in portal hypertension
S Saddekni, DE Hutchinson and PL Cooperberg
A patent umbilical vein is a sonographic sign of portal hypertension. The
specificity of the sign is not known. In a review of 12 patients with
sonographically demonstrated patency of the umbilical vein, we found two
patients in whom no clinical evidence existed to suggest the presence of
portal hypertension. In six of 10 healthy subjects, the lumen of the
proximal umbilical vein measured up to 3 mm in diameter. A review of the
literature indicates that in normal injection-corrosion studies, a tiny
vessel can be seen in noncirrhotic livers. A patient umbilical vein greater
than 3 mm must be demonstrated, at least throughout the course of the
intrahepatic portion of the ligamentum teres, to confirm portal
hypertension.
