How does Budd Chiari syndrome affect Doppler waveforms?
- Budd-Chiari syndrome refers to obstruction of hepatic venous outflow. It can occur anywhere from the small hepatic venules to the IVC. It is diagnosed when echogenic thrombus or absent flow is present in one or more of the HVs or the suprahepatic IVC.
- Intrahepatic collaterals extending from the HVs to the liver surface are common, and the liver parenchyma is usually diffusely heterogeneous.
- Associated PV thrombosis is present in 20% and ascites is often present. The caudate lobe is frequently spared as it has separate drainage to the IVC.
