Altered flow dynamics of intravascular contrast material to the liver in superior vena cava syndrome: CT findings

Abstract

Background: To evaluate the findings of altered flow dynamics in the livers of patients with obstruction of superior vena cava (SVC) on helical computed tomography (CT).

Methods: In six patients (age range = 28–80 years) with SVC obstruction, CT findings were retrospectively reviewed to identify the abnormal enhancement patterns of the liver and the relation with the extrahepatic collateral vessels and hepatic vessels.

Results: Abnormal hepatic enhancement was observed in the following four (A–D) portions: (A) anterior portion of segment IV (n = 5), (B) subdiaphragmatic portion of the liver (n = 4), (C) posterior portion of the right lobe (bare area; n = 1), and (D) lateral segment of the left lobe (n = 2). Two major collateral pathways to the liver were demonstrated as follows: A and D → from the umbilical vein to the left portal vein, and B and C → from the subcapsular vein to the bare area of the liver or to the hepatic veins. On helical CT, these collateral pathways were also clearly visualized.

Conclusion: When these abnormal enhancements of the liver on CT are recognized within the liver, these findings indicate diversion of contrast material into collateral pathways to the liver with SVC obstruction.