Validation of 3D power Doppler and VOCAL software in the sonographic assessment of hepatic venous flow

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the reproducibility of three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasonography (3D-PDU) and the ­repeatability of Virtual Organ Computer-aided AnaLysis (VOCAL) software in the assessment of hepatic venous flow in ten healthy non-pregnant individuals. Methods: Visualization of hepatic veins was performed using both intra- and subhepatic approaches; These ­examinations were repeated twice. Vascular indices were obtained for each examination in a reference point using both small and large volume samples (3 times per type of volume sample). Intraclass Correlation Coefficients and Pearson’s Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient were calculated to assess reproducibility and repeatability, respectively. Results: Intraclass Correlation Coefficients were more than 0.60 in small volumes, but variable in large volumes for both approaches. However, re-identification of the reference point failed in 30% using the subhepatic approach. Repeatability was high for all VOCAL analyses (Pearson’s Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient > 0.98). Conclusions: These results indicate reliable use of intrahepatic small volume samples in clinical application and invite to explore the role of this technology in the assessment of hepatic venous hemodynamics.