Measurement of Liver Blood Flow: A Review

[摘要] The study of hepatic haemodynamics is of importance in understanding both hepatic physiology anddisease processes as well as assessing the effects of portosystemic shunting and liver transplantation. Theliver has the most complicated circulation of any organ and many physiological and pathologicalprocesses can affect it1,2. This review surveys the methods available for assessing liver blood flow,examines the different parameters being measured and outlines problems of applicability and interpretationfor each technique.The classification of these techniques is to some extent arbitrary and several so called “different”methods may share certain common principles. The methods reviewed have been classified into twogroups (Table 1): those primarily reflecting flow through discrete vessels or to the whole organ and thoseused to assess local microcirculatory blood flow. All techniques have their advantages and disadvantagesand in some situations a combination may provide the most information. In addition, because of themany factors affecting liver blood flow and sinusoidal perfusion, readings in a single subject may varydepending on positioning, recent food intake, anxiety, anaesthesia and drug therapy. This must beborne in mind if different studies are to be meaningfully compared.

[学科分类] 过敏症与临床免疫学