Characteristically seen is such cases, are patchy hyperechoic areas and foci within liver parenchyma. (representing gas bubbles which lodge peripherally into the portal tree within liver parenchyma.)
Portal vein gas embolisation is a rare finding.
Portal vein gas embolisation is a rare finding.
In most cases, it is due to some underlying serious disorder, which should be looked for.
which could be - mesentric ishemia (most common)
bacterial colitis / necrotising enterocolitis
necrotising pancreatitis
abscess - peritoneal/ retroperitoneal
bowel malignancy
In cases where there is no evidence to suggest a serious underlying cause , more benign causes could be considered.
which could be - gastric ulcer
inflammatory bowel disease
iatrogenic - post surgery, enema, laparoscopy, endoscopic biopsy.
benign pneumatosis intestinalis.
In all patients with portal vein gas, CT abdomen (including arterial phase) should be advised , to look for underlying cause.
(CT awaited in present patient in view of ongoing dialysis).