[Radiological exploration of the Budd-Chiari syndrome. Study of 13 cases].

Using 13 cases of Budd-Chiari syndrome, the authors describe their method of radiological investigation in order to reach a positive and sometimes aetiological diagnosis. Hepatic venous thrombosis can be confirmed only on the basis of findings at hepatic phlebography. Cavography, which precedes retrograde catheterisation of the hepatic veins, provides only presumptive evidence and sometimes reveals total thrombosis of the inferior vena cava. Coeliac and superior mesenteric, or even hyperselective hepatic arteriography, is of great value if there is inversion of the portal flow. Otherwise it only leads to a suspicion of the diagnosis, and makes it possible to determine the state of the portal trunk and to seek an aetiology.