Which condition is defined by an MPV exceeding 13 mm with hepatofugal, pulsatile flow and decreased blood flow velocity?

Which condition is defined by an MPV exceeding 13 mm with hepatofugal, pulsatile flow and decreased blood flow velocity?

• A. Portal Hypertension
• B. Portal Vein Thrombosis
• C. Cirrhosis with Portal Inflow Reduction
• D. Budd-Chiari Syndrome

Answer: (A)

This pattern reflects portal hypertension. When the main portal vein is dilated (over about 13 mm), it signals elevated pressure within the portal system. The increased resistance within the liver can reverse the direction of flow (hepatofugal) and make it pulsatile as arterial pulsations are transmitted through the congested portal system. The overall velocity drops because the high resistance slows the flow as it tries to push into the hepatic circulation. While other conditions can alter portal flow, the combination of a dilated MPV with hepatofugal, pulsatile flow and reduced velocity is most characteristic of portal hypertension.

This pattern reflects portal hypertension. When the main portal vein is dilated (over about 13 mm), it signals elevated pressure within the portal system. The increased resistance within the liver can reverse the direction of flow (hepatofugal) and make it pulsatile as arterial pulsations are transmitted through the congested portal system. The overall velocity drops because the high resistance slows the flow as it tries to push into the hepatic circulation. While other conditions can alter portal flow, the combination of a dilated MPV with hepatofugal, pulsatile flow and reduced velocity is most characteristic of portal hypertension.