CONCLUSION
Ultrasonography remains the first line radiological modality for assessing the abdominal organs in most centers in the world due to its accessibility and low cost. Available literature suggest ultrasonography as a reliable modality in diagnosing this pathology; with CT angiogram and MRI serving as complimentary modalities for confirmation of CTPV.
Medical practitioners must therefore include CTPV as part of their differential diagnosis in patients who present with upper GI bleeding symptoms and anemia especially those without prior history or clinical suspicions of liver cirrhosis, hepatoma or pancreatitis. Duplex Abdominal ultrasonography must hence be encouraged in the initial diagnostic workup in such patients.
In view of this, sonographers and radiologists must pay close attention to the hepatic vasculature especially the segmental portal venous system when scanning patients presenting with upper GI bleeding and anemia. This could allow for early detection of CTPV if present since early diagnosis is crucial in improving patients’ outcomes. Early sonographic detection of this pathology is also necessary for appropriate timely intervention which could save the liver from end stage disease.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: The authors extend gratitude to all those who helped in the preparation of this work.
PATIENT CONSENT FOR PUBLICATION: Obtained
CONFLICT OF INTEREST: The authors declare no conflict of interest
AUTHORS CONTRIBUTION: JA performed the ultrasound examination, conceived the idea and involved in the initial preparation of the manuscript. TKA-B and OO contributed to writing of the manuscript.