Abstract: Objective To explore the feasibility and reliability of ultrasonic monitoring of portal vein (PV) and hepatic vein (HV)
blood flow volume changes in the process of induced carcinogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma and the correlation of PV/
HV blood flow volume ratio (Qpv/Qhv) with the severity of liver cirrhosis. Methods SD rats with diethylnitrosamine-induced
liver carcinogenesis underwent regular liver ultrasound examinations including color flow imaging and pulsed Doppler
examination. The main PV and HV blood flow parameters were measured to calculate Qpv/Qhv until successful induction of
liver cancer. Results The PV diameter increased significantly with the severity of liver cirrhosis in the rats (P<0.05), and the PV
blood flow velocity reduced but the blood flow volume increased significantly in liver cancer and cirrhosis stages (P<0.05).
Normal hepatic vein blood flow was significantly greater than that measured in liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma
stages. The Qpv/Qhv measured in normal rats was significantly lower than that in liver cirrhosis and liver cancer stages, but
the ratios were comparable between the latter two stages. Conclusion Ultrasonography is reliable to monitor the change of
liver hemodynamics in rats with induced liver carcinogenesis, in which the changes of Qpv/Qhv are correlated with the
severity of liver cirrhosis.