Aim: To determine if duplex sonographic measured Time Average Motion (TAM) is an effective parameter for screening examination in routine follow-up after TIPS implantation.
Patients and methods: 35 patients underwent duplex sonographic examination by a 3.5 MHz transducer with a follow-up for 12.4 months.
Results: A reduction of TAM about 60% from baseline proved with a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 93.7% the presence of a hemodynamic relevant stenosis, which was confirmed with angiography. We failed to establish a threshold which pointed out with acceptable accuracy the presence of shunt dysfunction.
Conclusion: TAM is a good parameter in colour-duplex sonography which permits an objective view of TIPS-function. Angiography should be performed only in patients with suspect duplex-results or clinical worsening. A secondary sign of shunt dysfunction is increasing ascites.