Duplex ultrasound examination of splanchnic vessels in the assessment of splanchnic ischaemic symptoms.

Introduction entire vessel is imaged and the most optimal Doppler sample is assessed. The transducer is then repositioned Currently, duplex ultrasound (US) is the preferred in a transverse plane until the ‘‘seagull sign’’, representing both the common hepatic and splenic arteries diagnostic modality for the evaluation of obstructive disease of both the arterial and venous system of the in a single image, is obtained. Further adaptation of transducer and ultrasound beam is usually necessary extremities, the extracranial vessels, the aorta and the iliac vessels. However, the role of duplex US in the to obtain an angle of <60° for each vessel assessed. A Doppler sample is taken within the first centimetres evaluation of patients suspected of acute or chronic splanchnic ischaemic symptoms is still not clearly from both common hepatic and splenic arteries. The SMA is then identified. Its image is usually optimal defined. This is despite the fact that the first publications addressing duplex US as a non-invasive tool in a longitudinal plane, although the origin sometimes can also be visualised in a transverse plane. All Dopfor assessing the splanchnic vascular tree were already published in the mid-1980s. There are several expler signals are taken in a supine position and in most cases the arterial Doppler signal is more easily obtained planations for why duplex US of the splanchnic vascular tree has not become popular. Firstly, the coeliac during the expiratory phase of respiration, as the vessels are then more clearly visualised. This is paraxis (CA), the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) are not readily ticularly the case in studying the CA. The IMA is not reliably visualised and normal or pathological IMA visualised, the test requires special skills in duplex US and is time consuming. Secondly, symptomatic duplex criteria have not yet been reported. obstructive disease of the splanchnic arteries seems rare.