RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: The retrospective study of aneurysms of the portal venous system and their possible aetiology, using different imaging methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 1992 and 1995 we collected 13 cases of portal vein aneurysm from 11 patients, eight of whom suffered portal hypertension (PH) secondary to hepatic cirrhosis. All were diagnosed by means of ultrasonography (155) and/or computed tomography (CT). The aneurysms were defined as fusiform expansions when in the main portal vein and its branches or as cystic lesions with internal flow when in the intrahepatic branches. RESULTS: Ten of the aneurysms (76.9%) were in the extrahepatic portal venous system and three (23.1%) in intrahepatic branches. Of the extrahepatic aneurysms, the two most common locations were the main portal vein and the confluence of superior mesenteric and splenic veins (30.7% each site). The largest were generally those at the confluence (37.6+/-9.7 mm maximum diameter). CONCLUSION: Aneurysms in the portal system can be congenital or acquired. Although their aetiology is uncertain, we found a clear relation to PH syndrome; of 13 aneurysms in the study, eight were related to this disease. PH should be suspected in the evaluation of portal aneurysms.
Asunto(s)
Aneurisma/diagnóstico por imagen , Vena Porta , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Aneurisma/etiología , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Vena Porta/diagnóstico por imagen , Estudios Retrospectivos , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X , UltrasonografíaRESUMEN
STUDY DESIGN: The incidence of calcification in ligamentum flavum and posterior capsule demonstrated by computed tomography was reviewed in a series of 147 patients in whom 419 lumbar levels were studied. OBJECTIVES: To find a relationship between mechanical lumbar pathology and the calcification of the ligamentum flavum and posterior capsule. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Calcification of the ligamentum flavum and posterior capsule has been found in diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis and in metabolic disorders. Although this fact is considered a manifestation of degenerative disease of the spine, it barely has been studied, and many questions remain unresolved. METHODS: Calcifications were classified according to location as follows: 1) ligamentum flavum: upper attachment, lateral or capsular extension, caudal attachment, interlaminar portion or 2) posterior capsule. RESULTS: The following statistical associations were found: 1) degenerative facet joint disease with posterior capsule and lateral or capsular extension calcifications, 2) lumbarized vertebra with lateral or capsular extension and upper attachment calcifications, and 3) isthmic spondylolisthesis with lateral or capsular extension calcification.