A case of fulminant hepatitis in which negative arterial flow and increased portal flow were observed by ultrasound Doppler imaging: Featuring histological findings of vessels in the portal tract

We experienced a case of fulminant hepatitis of 54 years old male by hepatitis virus type B. Increased portal blood flow signal (maximum velocity: 46.3 cm/s) and no arterial blood flow signal were observed by ultrasound Doppler imaging. Histopathological examination of necropsy liver specimen showed massive necrosis. No obstructive finding such as thrombosis was observed in vessels of portal tracts. The number of arterioles observed per portal tract (n=20) was 1.6±0.9 (0∼4). The ratio of arteriolar diameter for that of portal venules was 0.18±0.20 (0.03∼0.72). The number of arterioles was fewer, and arteriolar diameter relative to portal venules was smaller than normal in previous report. These histlogical findings were suggested to reflect the peculiar hemodynamics observed by ultrasound Doppler imaging.