Computed tomography in the evaluation of splenorenal shunt patency

Computed tomography (CT) and angiography were performed 13 patients of distal splenorenal shunt (8 cases) and spontaneous splenorenal shunt (5 cases). The shunt patency was well demonstrated as a round opacified structure in the section which located from hilus of spleen ana upper pole of the left kidney by computed tomography. The diameter of shunt patency messured by CT was well correlated by angiogram. In the diameter of more than 10mm, the round opacified structure was visualized clearly, but less than 6mm, it was difficult to visualize as a round opacified structure. CT evaluation of splenorenal shunt may be a useful technique for monitoring shunt patency during long term follow-up. (author)