Using Doppler sonography, the cystic artery was measured for 126 patients with liver cirrho-sis (68 men, 58 women, an average of 62 years old).
To investigate the change of the cystic artery in patients with liver cirrhosis, the cystic arterial blood-flow wave was recorded with doppler sonography, and the maximal flow velocity (Vmax), Pulsatility Index (PI), and Resistance Index (RI) were calculated. In addition, for 77 patients with Ever cirrhosis, we measured the congestion index (CI) and investigated the relation with portal hypertension.
The results were as follows.
1) PI and RI in liver cirrhosis were significantly increased, comparing with normal controls.
2) No difference was found between the presence and the absence of the gallstone or the gall-bladder wall.
3) Comparing patients without ascites, Vmax, PI and RI were significantly increased in patients with ascites.
4) Positive correlation was accepted in CI, PI, and RI.
5) A possibility that an analysis of a cystic artery could guess not only the existence of Ever cir rhosis and portal hypertension but also the grade of portal hypertension was suggested.
