The sonographically patent umbilical vein in portal hypertension.

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Abstract
A patent umbilical vein is a sonographic sign of portal hypertension. The specificity of the sign is not known. In a review of 12 patients with sonographically demonstrated patency of the umbilical vein, 2 patients were found in whom no clinical evidence existed to suggest the presence of portal hypertension. In 6 of 10 healthy subjects, the lumen of the proximal umbilical vein measured up to 3 mm in diameter. A review of the literature indicates that in normal injection-corrosion studies, a tiny vessel can be seen in noncirrhotic livers. A patent umbilical vein greater than 3 mm must be demonstrated, at least throughout the course of the intrahepatic portion of the ligamentum teres, to confirm portal hypertension.