CLINICAL EVALUATION OF COLOR DOPPLER ULTRASOUND IN THE DETECTION OF PORTAL HYPERTENSION IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background: Portal hypertension is a major complication of chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Color Doppler ultrasonography provides a non-invasive method for evaluating portal venous hemodynamics and associated complications. The present study was conducted to assess the role of color Doppler ultrasound in the diagnosis of portal hypertension and its correlation with the severity of liver dysfunction. Methodology: This hospital-based observational study was conducted in the Department of General Medicine at Sree Mookambika Institute of Medical Sciences from December 2024 to December 2025. A total of 40 patients with portal hypertension were included in the study. All patients underwent clinical evaluation, abdominal ultrasonography, and color Doppler assessment of the portal venous system. Parameters such as portal vein diameter, direction of blood flow, splenic vein diameter, collateral circulation, portal vein thrombosis, and hepatic vein damping index were evaluated. Child–Pugh classification was used to assess liver dysfunction severity. Results: The majority of patients were males (90%) and belonged to the age group of 51–60 years. Coarse liver echotexture and ascites were observed in 90% and 78% of patients, respectively. Portal vein dilatation during deep respiration was observed in most patients, and 67.5% demonstrated hepatopetal flow. Portal vein thrombosis was identified in 20% of cases. Most patients belonged to Child–Pugh Class C (52%). Doppler abnormalities including collateral circulation and altered hepatic vein damping index correlated with advanced liver disease Conclusion: Color Doppler ultrasonography is a valuable non-invasive diagnostic tool for assessing portal hypertension, portal hemodynamics, and associated complications in chronic liver disease.