Arterial portography using prostaglandin E1

A total of 110 arterial portographies via superior mesenteric artery were performed on 100 patients at Hanyang University Hospital in the past 2 years. There were 20 control portographies and 90 portographies using prostaglandin E1 Twenty μg prostaglandin E1 was injected for 30 seconds in the superior mesenteric artery 30 seconds before injection of contrast media. Both control and prostaglandin E1 portograms were evaluated for quality of opacification and side effects of prostaglandin E1 were recorded. The results were as follows; 1.The appearance time and optimal opacification time of the portal vein system were obtained approximately 6 seconds earlier in the prostaglandin E1 portograms than in the control portograms. 2.The incidence of opacification of the intrahepatic portal veins was greater in the prostaglandin E1 portograms than in the control portograms. 3.The main portal vein and intrahepatic portal veins were more clearly opacified in the prostaglandin... portograms than in the control portograms. 4.The prostaglandin E1 portograms provided clearer and more detailed opacification of the portal vein system than the control portograms in the same patients. 5.There was a minimal decrease in blood pressure with a concomitant small rise in heart rate and mild abdominal pain following the prostaglandin E1 injection. The authors found arterial portography using prostaglandin E1 simple, safe and useful for clear and detailed visualization of the portal vein system