Nihon Shokakibyo Gakkai zasshi = The Japanese journal of gastro-enterology
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Nihon Shokakibyo Gakkai Zasshi · Aug 1994
Case Reports Comparative Study[Imaging and clinical significance of hepatic portal venous gas seen in adult patients].
In 10 adult patients with hepatic portal venous gas (HPVG), the clinical significance of HPVG and the efficacy of X-ray computed tomography (CT) were evaluated. HPVG was associated with ischemic bowel disease (n = 3), trauma (n = 4), liver abscess (n = 1), sepsis (n = 1), and unknown etiology (n = 1). The diagnostic ability of CT for the detection of HPVG was far superior to that of plain abdominal radiograph. ⋯ In a single case with sepsis, gas was noted in various vessels, including arteries, in addition to the portal venous system. The authors conclude that HPVG is still a grave sign in Japan and prompt appropriate treatment is required. CT may be of great value in the early detection of HPVG and may indicate its etiology.