Multidetector CT venography and contrast-enhanced MR venography of the inferior mesenteric vein in paediatric extrahepatic portal vein obstruction

Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) is a common cause of paediatric portal hypertension and the only permanent treatment is shunt surgery. The inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) is a portal venous channel that can be used for the shunt when the splenic vein/superior mesenteric vein is thrombosed or when a lienorenal shunt is not possible. To compare MDCT venography (MDCTV) and contrast-enhanced MR venography (CEMRV) for visualisation of the IMV in children with EHPVO. This was a prospective study of 26 children (4-12 years, median 10 years) who underwent MDCTV and CEMRV. The IMV visualisation was graded using 4- and 2-point scales and the difference in visualisation was assessed by calculating the exact significance probability (P). The IMV was visualised in all children on MDCTV and 25/26 children on CEMRV (96%). The images were diagnostic in 23/26 children (88%) on MDCTV and in 18/26 (69%) children on CEMRV (P = 0.063). MDCTV and CEMRV are comparable for IMV visualisation with a tendency toward MDCTV being superior.