The study aimed at the evaluation of reliability of individual imaging methods in evaluation the patency of portosystemic anastomosis. The authors evaluate the information value of Doppler visualization of portal vascular bed and X-ray contrast angiographic examinations in their own cohort of 24 patients, who have been implanted a portal-systemic anastomosis for portal hypertension. Based on their own experience the authors present a recommendation when and which examinations should be indicated, how to evaluate their results and when the endoscopic examination or general clinical conditions may be reliable enough to rely upon. Conclusions: The Doppler examination is sufficiently reliable for routine control of portal-systemic anastomosis patency, MR portography is sufficiently reliable in this indication even in cases, when the results of Doppler examination is not unambiguous or contradictory to endoscopic finding or clinical condition. The X-ray contrast examinations are reliably indicated for verification of portal-systemic anastomosis patency only in exceptional cases.

        Key words: portal hypertension – portal-systemic anastomosis – esophagus varices – bleeding – liver cirrhosis – splenorenal anastomosis – surgery