Use of cine phase-contrast MRI in the assessment of distal splenorenal shunt function.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of a surgical splenorenal shunt in a 28-year-old girl are described. The woman underwent color doppler ultrasonography during follow up for the shunt, which was inconclusive. MR was used to investigate the function of the shunt. Velocity and flow direction in splanchnic vessels and in the shunt were evaluated using cine fast phase-contrast sequences. MR findings could be of help in the evaluation of patients undergoing surgical shunts during follow up.