Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, Vol 12, Issue 9 525-529, Copyright © 1993 by American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
Duplex Doppler ultrasonographic comparison of the effects of propranolol and isosorbide-5-mononitrate on portal hemodynamics
E. Tincani, G. Cioni, A. Cristani, P. D'Alimonte, A. Vignoli, G. Abbati, P. Ventura, R. Romagnoli and E. Ventura
Clinica Medica III, University of Modena, Italy.
Eighteen cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices at risk for bleeding
took part in a double-blind study. The variations in PFV induced by either
40 mg of propranolol or 60 mg of sustained-release isosorbide-5-mononitrate
on two consecutive days were evaluated with a duplex Doppler device. Both
drugs caused a significant decrease in maximum (propranolol, P = 0.002;
isosorbide-5-mononitrate, P = 0.021). Four patients responded to
propranolol, three to isosorbide-5-mononitrate, and eight to both drugs;
three did not show any change. Duplex Doppler sonography may be of use in
the selection of the right pharmacologic treatment for the individual
patient for the prevention of a bleeding esophageal varix.
