Gender Linked Metric Analysis of Portal Vein: A Sonographic Appraisal.

Introduction: Portal hypertension is one of the most mystifying and disconcerting abdominal ailment. Ultrasonography (USG) is an effective diagnostic tool for its prompt management. Knowledge of normal calibre of portal vein in a local setting is essential as literature reports contrasting values in different regions. It helps in early diagnosis of portal hypertension even before it is clinically manifested thereby assisting clinicians and interventional radiologists in pertinent management. Aim: Study was aimed to evaluate the Portal Vein Diameter (PVD) and find its correlation with gender by using USG in North Indian population. Materials and Methods: A total of 300 healthy adults were included in the study. Portal vein diameter was measured in supine position and normal respiration by grey scale USG. The portal vein diameter was correlated with age and gender statistically using independent Student's t-test and ANOVA. Results: Mean PVD of (9.49 +/- 1.03 mm) was observed in the present cross- sectional study. Male showed a significantly higher mean PVD (9.70 +/- 1.02 mm) as compared to females (9.10 +/- 0.94 mm). Conclusion: Scarcity of information concerning ultrasonographically measured standard portal vein diameter and inconstant values reported in literature necessitates the need for establishing local standard value. In the given subset of population the portal vein diameter was influenced by the gender. The information will be helpful in prompt diagnosis and management of portal hypertension.