Association between serum cystatin C level and hemodynamically significant aortic stenosis: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND Cystatin C(CysC)is a cysteine protease inhibitor involved in proteins catabolism and plays an essential role in human vascular pathophysiology.CysC may also increase the risk of aortic stenosis(AS),but limited studies have reported on this association.This study aimed to investigate if elevated serum CysC levels are associated with hemodynamically significant AS.METHODS Serum CysC levels were estimated in 4,791 participants,samples were collected in 1990−1992.The study popula-tion was divided into quintile groups.Follow-up continued in 2011-2013 when participants returned for echocardiography exam-ination.Incidence of aortic valve disease(AVD)was ascertained by Doppler echocardiography through the end of 2013.AVD defined in hemodynamic progression was assessed and classified as aortic sclerosis,mild stenosis,and moderate-to-severe sten-osis.RESULTS Overall,a total of 4,791 participants(mean age:54.8±5.0 years,females:57.6%,blacks:8.2%)were included in this study.During a follow-up of 21 years,we identified 736 cases(15.4%)of aortic sclerosis,194 cases(4.0%)of mild stenosis,and 42 cases(0.7%)of moderate-to-severe stenosis.Compared with serum CysC levels within individual quintile groups,the odds ratio(OR)was per standard deviation associated with an increased incidence of AVD(OR=1.15,95%CI:1.05−1.26,P=0.002).CONCLUSIONS In this large population-based study,an increased serum CysC levels is independently associated with the incidence of hemodynamically significant AS.However,this association appears not to extend to patients with extremely high serum CysC levels and necessitate further investigation.

Emergency management of hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures

Pelvic fractures are serious injuries. Death within 24 hours is most often a result of acute blood loss. The emergency management of these patients is challenging and controversial. The key issues in its management are identifying the site（s） of hemorrhage and then controlling the bleeding. Management of hemodynamically unstable patients with pelvic fracture requires a multidisciplinary team. The issues addressed in this management algorithm are diagnostic evaluation, damage controlresuscitation, indications for noninvasive pelvic stabilization, preperitoneal pelvic packing and the critical decisions concerning surgical options and angiography. This review article focuses on the recent body of knowledge on those determinations.

Cerebral and muscle tissue oxygenation during exercise in healthy adults: A systematic review

Background:Near-infrared spectroscopy(NIRS)technology has allowed for the measurement of cerebral and skeletal muscle oxygenation simultaneously during exercise.Since this technology has been growing and is now successfully used in laboratory and sports settings,this systematic review aimed to synthesize the evidence and enhance an integrative understanding of bloodflow adjustments and oxygen(O_(2))changes(i.e.,the balance between O_(2) delivery and O_(2) consumption)within the cerebral and muscle systems during exercise.Methods:A systematic review was conducted using PubMed,Embase,Scopus,and Web of Science databases to search for relevant studies that simultaneously investigated cerebral and muscle hemodynamic changes using the near-infrared spectroscopy system during exercise.This review considered manuscripts written in English and available before February 9,2023.Each step of screening involved evaluation by 2 inde-pendent authors,with disagreements resolved by a third author.The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist was used to assess the methodological quality of the studies.Results:Twenty studies were included,of which 80%had good methodological quality,and involved 290 young or middle-aged adults.Different types of exercises were used to assess cerebral and muscle hemodynamic changes,such as cycling(n=11),treadmill(n=1),knee extension(n=5),isometric contraction of biceps brachii(n=3),and duet swim routines(n=1).The cerebral hemodynamics anal-ysis was focused on the frontal cortex(n=20),while in the muscle,the analysis involved vastus lateralis(n=18),gastrocnemius(n=3),biceps brachii(n=5),deltoid(n=1),and intercostal muscle(n=1).Overall,muscle deoxygenation increases during exercise,reaching a plateau in voluntary exhaustion,while in the brain,oxyhemoglobin concentration increases with exercise intensity,reaching a plateau or declining at the exhaustion point.Conclusion:Muscle and cerebral oxygenation respond differently to exercise,with muscle increasing O_(2) utilization and cerebral tissue increasing O_(2) delivery during exercise.However,at the exhaustion point,both muscle and cerebral oxygenation become compromised.This is characterized by a reduction in bloodflow and a decrease in O_(2) extraction in the muscle,while in the brain,oxygenation reaches a plateau or decline,potentially resulting in motor failure during exercise.

Anesthesia Management in Hereditary Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma:Updated Insights into Clinical Features and Perioperative Care

Approximately 40% of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma(PPGL) cases are familial, typically presenting earlier with more complex symptoms. This paper synthesizes literature and guidelines to inform on clinical characteristics and perioperative care for PPGL. Pheochromocytoma in von Hippel-Lindau(VHL) disease exhibits heightened secretion activity without significant perioperative hemodynamic changes. Tumors in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2(MEN2) have a stronger endocrine function, which may induce hemodynamic fluctuations during surgery. Therefore, pheochromocytoma screening is essential at all stages of MEN2. Neurofibromatosis type 1(NF1) often presents multisystem lesions and can result in difficult airway. Pheochromocytoma should be evaluated when NF1 patients present hypertension. Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma type 5 may present multiple lesions of pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma. In summary, hereditary PPGLs may present with severe lesions in other systems, beyond tumor function. A multi-disciplinary team(MDT) approach is often invaluable in perioperative management.

0D-1D coupling model and 3D fluid-structure interaction model based on coronary CT angiography for displaying hemodynamic characteristics of coronary artery stenosis

Objective To observe value of 0D-1D coupling model and 3D fluid-structure interaction(FSI)model based on coronary CT angiography(CCTA)for displaying hemodynamic characteristics of coronary artery stenosis.Methods Based on CCTA data of the stenosed left anterior descending branch(LAD)in a patient with coronary heart disease,an 0D-1D coupling model and 3D FSI model were built,respectively.Then hemodynamic characteristic indexes,including the pressure,flow velocity and wall shear stress(WSS)were obtained in every 0.01 s during 1 s at 5 sampling points(i.e.sampling point 1—5)using these 2 models,respectively,and the consistencies of the results between models were evaluated with Spearman correlation coefficient r s.Results The time consuming for construction of 0D-1D coupling model and 3D FSI model was 0.033 min and 704 min,respectively.Both models showed basically distribution of the pressure,flow velocity and WSS of the stenosed LAD.For more details,the pressure at the stenosed segment of LAD and the proximal segment of stenosis were both higher,which gradually decreased at the distal segment of stenosis,and the flow velocity at the proximal segment of stenosis was in a relatively slow and uniform condition,with significantly increased flow velocity and WSS at the stenosed segment.Compared with 3D FSI model,0D-1D vascular coupling model was relatively unrefined and lack of distal flow lines when displaying blood flow velocity.For sampling point 2 at the stenosed segment of LAD,no significant consistency for pressure between 2 models was found(P=0.118),but strong consistency for the flow velocity and WSS(r s=0.730,0.807,both P<0.05).The consistencies of pressure,flow velocity and WSS between 2 models at the proximal and distal segment of stenosis,i.e.1,3—5 sampling points were week to moderate(r s=0.237—0.669,all P<0.05).Conclusion 0D-1D coupling model exhibited outstanding computational efficiency and might provide relatively reasonable results,while 3D FSI model showed higher accuracy for details and streamline when simulating LAD stenosis.

Remazolam combined with transversus abdominis plane block in gastrointestinal tumor surgery:Have we achieved better anesthetic effects?

Laparoscopic surgery is the main treatment method for patients with gastrointestinal malignant tumors.Although laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive,its tool stimulation and pneumoperitoneum pressure often cause strong stress reactions in patients.On the other hand,gastrointestinal surgery can cause stronger pain in patients,compared to other surgeries.Transversus abdominis plane block(TAPB)can effectively inhibit the transmission of nerve impulses caused by surgical stimulation,alleviate patient pain,and thus alleviate stress reactions.Remazolam is an acting,safe,and effective sedative,which has little effect on hemodynamics and is suitable for most patients.TAPB combined with remazolam can reduce the dosage of total anesthetic drugs,reduce adverse reactions,reduce stress reactions,and facilitate the rapid postoperative recovery of patients.

Ruptured venous aneurysm associated with a dural arteriovenous fistula:Two case reports

BACKGROUND In general,venous aneurysm associated with dural arteriovenous fistula(dAVF)is considered to be developed under long standing venous hypertension and manifested as venous ectasia of draining vein itself.However,discrete saccular shaped venous aneurysm without angiographic evidence of venous hypertension arising from the draining vein,like cerebral arterial aneurysm,is quite rare and its pathomechanism remains unclear in patients with dAVF.CASE SUMMARY In this report,we present two cases of ruptured saccular venous aneurysms associated with dAVF without venous hypertension or venous ectasia.In both cases,significant curve or stenosis is observed in draining vein,which is located in just distal portion of the venous aneurysms.These aneurysms were successfully treated with a transarterial embolization.Underlying mechanism of venous aneurysms in these cases is discussed.CONCLUSION Although there is little doubt that hemodynamic stress has a critical role in the development of venous aneurysms in patients with dAVF,preceding venous hypertension or venous ectasia is not necessary for development and enlargement of venous aneurysms.Considering the significant risk of rupture,a careful review of draining vein features including tortuosity or stenosis is needed,especially in venous aneurysms without evidence of venous hypertension.

Portal vein pulsatility:An important sonographic tool assessment of systemic congestion for critical ill patients

In this editorial we comment on the article by Kuwahara et al,published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Cardiology.In this interesting paper,the authors showed a correlation between portal vein pulsatility ratio,examined by bedside ultrasonography,and prognosis of hospitalized patients with acute heart failure.Systemic congestion is being notoriously underdetected in the acutely ill population with conventional methods like clinical examination,biomarkers,central venous pressure estimation and X-rays.However,congestion should be a key therapeutic target due to its deleterious effects to end organ function and subsequently patient prognosis.Doppler flow assessment of the abdominal veins is gaining popularity worldwide,as a valuable tool in estimating comprehensively congestion and giving a further insight into hemodynamics and patient management.

Cerebral perfusion in patients with unilateral internal carotid artery occlusion by dual post-labeling delays arterial spin labeling imaging

BACKGROUND Global and regional cerebral blood flow(CBF)changes in patients with unilateral internal carotid artery occlusion(ICAO)are unclear when the dual post-labeling delays(PLD)arterial spin labeling(ASL)magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)technique is used.Manual delineation of regions of interest for CBF measurement is time-consuming and laborious.AIM To assess global and regional CBF changes in patients with unilateral ICAO with the ASL-MRI perfusion technique.METHODS Twenty hospitalized patients with ICAO and sex-and age-matched controls were included in the study.Regional CBF was measured by Dr.Brain's ASL software.The present study evaluated differences in global,middle cerebral artery(MCA)territory,anterior cerebral artery territory,and Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score(ASPECTS)regions(including the caudate nucleus,lentiform nucleus,insula ribbon,internal capsule,and M1-M6)and brain lobes(including frontal,parietal,temporal,and insular lobes)between ICAO patients and controls at PLD 1.5 s and PLD 2.5 s.RESULTS When comparing CBF between ICAO patients and controls,the global CBF in ICAO patients was lower at both PLD 1.5 s and PLD 2.5 s;the CBF on the occluded side was lower in 15 brain regions at PLD 1.5 s,and it was lower in 9 brain regions at PLD 2.5 s;the CBF in the contralateral hemisphere was lower in the caudate nucleus and internal capsule at PLD 1.5 s and in M6 at PLD 2.5 s.The global CBF in ICAO patients was lower at PLD 1.5 s than at PLD 2.5 s.The ipsilateral CBF at PLD 1.5 s was lower than that at PLD 2.5 s in 15 regions,whereas the contralateral CBF was lower at PLD 1.5 s than at PLD 2.5 s in 12 regions.The ipsilateral CBF was lower than the contralateral CBF in 15 regions at PLD 1.5 s,and in M6 at PLD 2.5 s.CONCLUSION Unilateral ICAO results in hypoperfusion in the global and MCA territories,especially in the ASPECTS area.Dual PLD settings prove more suitable for accurate CBF quantification in ICAO.

Point-of-care ultrasonography in cirrhosis-related acute kidney injury:How I do it

Discerning the etiology of acute kidney injury(AKI)in cirrhotic patients remains a formidable challenge due to diverse and overlapping causes.The conventional approach of empiric albumin administration for suspected volume depletion may inadvertently lead to fluid overload.In the recent past,point-of-care ultrasonography(POCUS)has emerged as a valuable adjunct to clinical assessment,offering advantages in terms of diagnostic accuracy,rapidity,cost-effectiveness,and patient satisfaction.This review provides insights into the strategic use of POCUS in evaluating cirrhotic patients with AKI.The review distinguishes basic and advanced POCUS,emphasizing a 5-point basic POCUS protocol for efficient assessment.This protocol includes evaluations of the kidneys and urinary bladder for obstructive nephropathy,lung ultrasound for detecting extravascular lung water,inferior vena cava(IVC)ultrasound for estimating right atrial pressure,internal jugular vein ultrasound as an alternative to IVC assessment,and focused cardiac ultrasound for assessing left ventricular(LV)systolic function and identifying potential causes of a plethoric IVC.Advanced POCUS delves into additional Doppler parameters,including stroke volume and cardiac output,LV filling pressures and venous congestion assessment to diagnose or prevent iatrogenic fluid overload.POCUS,when employed judiciously,enhances the diagnostic precision in evaluating AKI in cirrhotic patients,guiding appropriate therapeutic interventions,and minimizing the risk of fluid-related complications.

Point-of-care ultrasound in nephrology:A private practice viewpoint

Point-of-care ultrasound(POCUS)is a limited ultrasound examination performed by the clinician at the bedside,emerging as a complement to physical examination across various medical specialties.In the field of nephrology,its integration has been gradual,primarily limited to guiding procedures like temporary dialysis catheter placement or,in some cases,diagnostic kidney ultrasounds.In reality,the assessment of hemodynamic status at the bedside holds immense value for nephrologists,yet there exists limited awareness among practitioners regarding its implementation.While there is a growing trend towards incorporating multiorgan POCUS training in fellowship programs,private practice nephrologists remain relatively uninformed.This discussion explores the untapped potential of POCUS as a valuable diagnostic tool in everyday nephrology practice,demonstrating its effectiveness in diverse clinical settings,ranging from medical wards to outpatient dialysis units.Additionally,we delve into the challenges hindering its widespread adoption and consider the future trajectory of this innovative approach.

Future of neurocritical care:Integrating neurophysics,multimodal monitoring,and machine learning

Multimodal monitoring(MMM)in the intensive care unit(ICU)has become increasingly sophisticated with the integration of neurophysical principles.However,the challenge remains to select and interpret the most appropriate combination of neuromonitoring modalities to optimize patient outcomes.This manuscript reviewed current neuromonitoring tools,focusing on intracranial pressure,cerebral electrical activity,metabolism,and invasive and noninvasive autoregulation moni-toring.In addition,the integration of advanced machine learning and data science tools within the ICU were discussed.Invasive monitoring includes analysis of intracranial pressure waveforms,jugular venous oximetry,monitoring of brain tissue oxygenation,thermal diffusion flowmetry,electrocorticography,depth electroencephalography,and cerebral microdialysis.Noninvasive measures include transcranial Doppler,tympanic membrane displacement,near-infrared spectroscopy,optic nerve sheath diameter,positron emission tomography,and systemic hemodynamic monitoring including heart rate variability analysis.The neurophysical basis and clinical relevance of each method within the ICU setting were examined.Machine learning algorithms have shown promise by helping to analyze and interpret data in real time from continuous MMM tools,helping clinicians make more accurate and timely decisions.These algorithms can integrate diverse data streams to generate predictive models for patient outcomes and optimize treatment strategies.MMM,grounded in neurophysics,offers a more nuanced understanding of cerebral physiology and disease in the ICU.Although each modality has its strengths and limitations,its integrated use,especially in combination with machine learning algorithms,can offer invaluable information for individualized patient care.

Major liver resections,perioperative issues and posthepatectomy liver failure:A comprehensive update for the anesthesiologist

Significant advances in surgical techniques and relevant medium-and long-term outcomes over the past two decades have led to a substantial expansion in the indications for major liver resections.To support these outstanding results and to reduce perioperative complications,anesthesiologists must address and master key perioperative issues(preoperative assessment,proactive intraoperative anesthesia strategies,and implementation of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery approach).Intensive care unit monitoring immediately following liver surgery remains a subject of active and often unresolved debate.Among postoperative complications,posthepatectomy liver failure(PHLF)occurs in different grades of severity(A-C)and frequency(9%-30%),and it is the main cause of 90-d postoperative mortality.PHLF,recently redefined with pragmatic clinical criteria and perioperative scores,can be predicted,prevented,or anticipated.This review highlights:(1)The systemic consequences of surgical manipulations anesthesiologistsmust respond to or prevent,to positively impact PHLF(a proactive approach);and(2)the maximal intensivetreatment of PHLF,including artificial options,mainly based,so far,on Acute Liver Failure treatment(s),to buytime waiting for the recovery of the native liver or,when appropriate and in very selected cases,toward livertransplant.Such a clinical context requires a strong commitment to surgeons,anesthesiologists,and intensivists towork together,for a fruitful collaboration in a mandatory clinical continuum.

异钩藤碱合用双肼苯哒嗪对清醒动物的降压效应及血流动力学的影响

通过静脉和十二指肠给药,观察了异钩藤碱、双肼苯哒嗪及两药合用对清醒正常和肾型高血压大鼠及兔血压、心率和对后者血流动力学的影响。异钩藤碱增强双肼苯哒嗪的降压效果,并能克服后者的加快心率作用。兔静脉注射双肼苯哒嗪,心率加快,每分钟心室肌张力—时间指数(TTI·HR)增加,心室内压变化最大速率无改变,提示心率加快是心肌耗氧增加的主要原因。两药合用舒张压的下降超过收缩压,心率及 TTI·HR 较用药前无明显改变。

Preliminary Application of Perfusion Imaging in Neoplasm in the Brain and Body with Multi-slice Helical CT

Objective： To evaluate the clinical value of perfusion imaging in neoplasm in the brain and body with Multi-slice helical CT. Methods： Twenty-eight patients with neoplasm were subjected to perfusion imaging with multi-slice helical CT, including 22 patients with brain neoplasm and 6 patients with body neoplasm. At first, CT routine scan was preformed to localize central slices of neoplasm. Then perfusion imaging of 4 and identical slices in central slices of neoplasm was performed by using CT cine scan. Scanning images were transferred into ADW3.1 work-station to create and analyze perfusion images and parameters. Results： Perfusion parameters of cerebral neoplasm had a remarkable increase. But, CBF value of different cerebral neoplasms had partial overlap; CBV value was increased slightly; MTT value had no apparently clinical value; PS value was increased significantly, pituitary neoplasm〉meningoma〉cerebral glioma≈cerebral metastasis. PS value could reveal the characters of cerebral neoplasm and had apparently clinical value. Perfusion parameters of body neoplasms have a remarkable increase too. Body tumors were liable to be interfered by breath movement. Perfusion parameters were helpful to differentiation diagnosis of neoplasm in the brain and body. PS images of neoplasm in the brain and body were helpful to defining tumor outline and finding small tumor. Conclusion： MSCT perfusion imaging provided a precise and relative simple method to quantitatively estimate blood perfusion status in tumors in the brain and body. The technique can be easily implemented on clinical scanners.

Effects of rh BNP after PCI on non-invasive hemodynamic in acute myocardial infarction patients with left heart failure

Objective: To investigate the effects of exogenous recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide(rh BNP) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI) on non-invasive hemodynamic in acute myocardial infarction patients with left ventricular failure. Methods: A number of 96 acute myocardial infarction patients accompanied with heart failure after PCI hospitalized in the People's Hospital of Sanya during February 2012 to October 2015 were selected. They were randomly divided into the therapy group(n = 50) and control group(n = 46). On the basis of routine treatment, patients in the therapy group were treated with intravenous rh BNP(1.5 μg/kg was intravenous injection with uniform speed of 3 min, followed by continuous infusion 0.007 5 μg/kg·min for 72 h), while the control group received conventional treatment. Bio Z-2011 non-invasive hemodynamic real-time monitoring system was used to monitor the hemodynamic parameters changes and the leves of plasma pro-BNP, serum creatinine, serum potassium, serum sodium and urine volume of each group before and after treating for 30 min, 1 h, 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h. Results: Patients in the therapy group showed no effect on heart rate, while after 30 min of intravenous injection of rh BNP, CO, CI, SV, and SI increased significantly and LVET and TFC reduced at the same time, which had certain effect on blood pressure(SBP/DBP). Compared with the control group, the therapy group showed a faster and more effective improvement on haemodynamics. Conclusions: Acute myocardial infarction patients complicated with left heart failure after primary PCI can significantly improve hemodynamics by treating with rh BNP.

Clinical analysis of propofol deep sedation for 1,104 patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures:A three year prospective study

AIM： To analyze the hemodynamic and respiratory effects of propofol on patients undergoing gastroscopy and colonoscopy. METHODS： In this prospective study, conducted over a period of three years, 1,104 patients referred for a same day GI endoscopy procedure were analyzed. All patients were given a propofol bolus （0.5-1.5 mg/kg）. Arterial blood pressure （BP） was monitored at 3 rain intervals and heart rate and oxygen saturation （SpO2） were recorded continuously by pulse oximetry. Analyzed data acquisition was carried out before, during, and after the procedure. RESULTS： A statistically significant reduction in mean arterial pressure was demonstrated （P〈0.001） when compared to pre-intervention values, but severe hypotension, defined as a systolic blood pressure below 60mmHg, was noted in only 5 patients （0.5%）. Oxygen saturation decreased from 96.5% to 94.4 % （P〈0.001）. A critical decrease in oxygen saturation （〈90%） was documented in 27 patients （2.4%）. CONCLUSION： Our results showed that propofol provided good sedation with excellent pain control, a short recovery time and no significant hemodynamic side effelts if carefully titrated. All the patients （and especially ASA Ⅲ group） require monitoring and care of an anesthesiologist.

Post reperfusion syndrome during liver transplantation:From pathophysiology to therapy and preventive strategies

This review aims at evaluating the existing evidence regarding post reperfusion syndrome, providing a description of the pathophysiologic mechanisms involved and possible management and preventive strategies. A Pub Med search was conducted using the Me SH database, "Reperfusion" AND "liver transplantation" were the combined Me SH headings; EMBASE and the Cochrane library were also searched using the same terms. 52 relevant studies and one ongoing trial were found. The concept of post reperfusion syndrome has evolved through years to a multisystemic disorder. The implications of the main organ, recipient and procedure related factors in the genesis of this complex syndrome are discussed in the text as the novel pharmacologic and technical approaches to reduce its incidence. However the available evidence about risk factors, physiopathology and preventive measures is still confusing, the presence of two main definitions and the numerosity of possible confounding factors greatly complicates the interpretation of the studies.

Cardiac and vascular changes in cirrhosis:Pathogenic mechanisms

Cardiovascular abnormalities accompany both portal hypertension and cirrhosis. These consist of hyperdynamic circulation, defined as reduced mean arterial pressure and systemic vascular resistance, and increased cardiac output. Despite the baseline increased cardiac output, ventricular inotropic and chronotropic responses to stimuli are blunted, a condition known as cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. Both conditions may play an initiating or aggravating pathogenic role in many of the complications of liver failure or portal hypertension including ascites, variceal bleeding, hepatorenal syndrome and increased postoperative mortality after major surgery or liver transplantation. This review briefly examines the major mechanisms that may underlie these cardiovascular abnormalities, concentrating on nitric oxide, endogenous cannabinoids, central neural activation and adrenergic receptor changes. Future work should address the complex interrelationships between these systems.

Hemodynamic analysis of esophageal varices in patients with liver cirrhosis using color Doppler ultrasound

AIM： To study the portal hemodynamics and their relationship with the size of esophageal varices seen at endoscopy and to evaluate whether these Doppler ultrasound parameters might predict variceal bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. METHODS： One hundred and twenty cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices but without any previous bleeding were enrolled in the prospective study. During a 2-year observation period, 52 patients who had at least one episode of acute esophageal variceal hemorrhage constituted the bleeding group, and the remaining 68 patients without any previous hemorrhage constituted the non-bleeding group. All patients underwent endoscopy before or after color Doppler-ultrasonic examination, and images were interpreted independently by two endoscopists. The control group consisted of 30 healthy subjects, matched to the patient group in age and gender. Measurements of diameter, flow direction and flow velocity in the left gastric vein （LGV） and the portal vein （PV） were done in all patients and controls using color Doppler unit. After baseline measurements, 30 min after oral administration of 75 g glucose in 225 mL, changes of the diameter, flow velocity and direction in the PV and LGV were examined in 60 patients with esophageal varices and 15 healthy controls. RESULTS： The PV and LGV were detected successfully in 115 （96%） and 105 （88%） of 120 cirrhotic patients, respectively, and in 27 （90%） and 21 （70%） of 30 healthy controls, respectively. Among the 120 cirrhotic patients, 37 had F1, 59 had F2, and 24 had F3 grade varices. Compared with the healthy controls, cirrhotic group had a significantly lower velocity in the PV, a significantly greater diameter of the PV and LGV, and a higher velocity in the LGV. In the cirrhotic group, no difference in portal flow velocity and diameter were observed between patients with or without esophageal variceal bleeding （EVB）. However, the diameter and blood flow velocity of the LGV were significantly higher for EVB （＋） group compared with EVB （-） group （P〈0.01）. Diameter of the LGV increased with enlarged size of varices. There were differences between F1 and F2, F1 and F3 varices, but no differences between F2 and F3 varices （P = 0.125）. However, variceal bleeding was more frequent in patients with a diameter of LGV 〉6 mm. The flow velocity in the LGV of healthy controls was 8.70＋1.91 cm/s （n = 21）. In patients with liver cirrhosis, it was 10.3＋2.1 cm/s （n = 12） when the flow was hepatopetal and 13.5＋2.3 cm/s （n = 87） when it was hepatofugal. As the size of varices enlarged, hepatofugal flow velocity increased （P〈0.01） and was significantly different between patients with F1 and F2 varices and between patients with F2 and F3 varices. Variceal bleeding was more frequent in patients with a hepatofugal flow velocity 〉15 cm/s （32 of 52 patients, 61.5%）. Within the bleeding group, the mean LGV blood flow velocity was 16.6＋2.62 cm/s. No correlation was observed between the portal blood flow velocity and EVB. In all healthy controls, the flow direction in the LGV was hepatopetal, toward the PV. In patients with F1 varices, flow direction was hepatopetal in 10 patients, to-and-fro state in 3 patients, and hepatofugal in the remaining 18. The flow was hepatofugal in 91% patients with F2 and all F3 varices. Changes in diameter of the PV and LGV were not significant before and after ingestion of glucose （PV： 1.41＋1.5 cm before and 1.46＋1.6 cm after; LGV： 0.57＋1.7 cm before and 0.60＋1.5 cm after）. Flow direction in the LGV was hepatopetal and to-and-fro in 16 patients and hepatofugal in 44 patients before ingestion of glucose. Flow direction changed to hepatofugal in 9 of 16 patients with hepatopetal and to-and-fro blood flow after ingestion of glucose. In 44 patients with hepatofugal blood flow in the LGV, a significant increase in hepatofugal flow velocity was observed in 38 of 44 patients （86%） with esophageal varices. There was a relationship between the percentage changes in flow velocity and the size of varices. Patients who responded excessively to food ingestion might have a high risk for bleeding. The changes of blood flow velocity in the LGV were greater than those in the PV （LGV： 28.3＋26.1%, PV： 7.2＋13.2%, P〈0.01）, whereas no significant changes in the LGV occurred before and after ingestion of glucose in the control subjects. CONCLUSION： Hemodynamics of the PV is unrelated to the degree of endoscopic abnormalities in patients with liver cirrhosis. The most important combinations are endoscopic findings followed by the LGV hemodynamics. Duplex-Doppler ultrasonography has no value in the identification of patients with cirrhosis at risk of variceal bleeding. Hemodynamics of the LGV appears to be superior to those of the PV in predicting bleeding.