Four-dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging for assessment of hemodynamic changes in the portal venous system before and after balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration: a pilot feasibility study

Background The effectiveness of four-dimensional (4D) flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for assessing hemodynamic changes before and after balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) remains unclear. Purpose To evaluate the feasibility of 4D flow MRI for assessing hemodynamic changes in the portal venous system before and after BRTO. Material and Methods We included 10 patients (7 men, 3 women; mean age = 67 years) with liver cirrhosis who had a high risk of gastric variceal bleeding or hepatic encephalopathy. Non-contrast 4D flow MRI of the upper abdomen was performed before and after BRTO. In addition, we compared the blood flow rates in the portal vein (PV), superior mesenteric vein (SMV), splenic vein (SV), left renal vein, and inferior vena cava before and after BRTO. Moreover, the flow directions of the SMV and SV before and after BRTO were assessed using both portography and 4D flow MRI. Results There was a significant post-BRTO increase in the blood flow rate in the PV and SV (P < 0.05). There was no significant post-BRTO change in the blood flow rates in the SMV, inferior vena cava, and left renal vein. In four patients, portography confirmed that hepatofugal flow in the SV and SMV changed to hepatopetal flow after BRTO. Moreover, 4D flow MRI correctly assessed the flow directions in the SMV and SV in 70%-100% of the patients. Conclusion 4D flow MRI can be used to detect hemodynamic changes in the portal venous system before and after BRTO.