CT diagnosis of membranous obstruction of the hepatic segment of the inferior vena cava (primary Budd-Chiari syndrome)

Five cases of primary Budd-Chiari syndrome were examined by CT. In all cases CT demonstrated enlargement of the caudate lobe of the liver, reticular low density in the liver parenchyma, splenomegaly and collateral channels via the ascending lumbar vien-the azygos system. In two cases patchy calcification was shown near the hepatic segment of the inferior vena cava. Reticular low density corresponded to fibrosis or cirrhosis of the liver parenchyma pathologically. In one case shrinkage of collaterals was seen after angioplasty. Our result suggested that CT was very useful in the diagnosis, evaluation and follow-up of primary Budd-Chiari syndrome nevertheless membranous obstruction of the inferior vena cava was not demonstrated birectly. (author)