Yes / Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) confers increased risk of endothelial dysfunction, coronary heart disease, and vulnerability to vein graft failure after bypass grafting, despite glycaemic control. This study explored the concept that endothelial cells (EC) cultured from T2DM and nondiabetic (ND) patients are phenotypically and functionally distinct. Cultured human saphenous vein- (SV-) EC were compared between T2DM and ND patients in parallel. Proliferation, migration, and in vitro angiogenesis assays were performed; western blotting was used to quantify phosphorylation of Akt, ERK, and eNOS. The ability of diabetic stimuli (hyperglycaemia, TNF-α, and palmitate) to modulate angiogenic potential of ND-EC was also explored. T2DM-EC displayed reduced migration (~30%) and angiogenesis (~40%) compared with ND-EC and a modest, nonsignificant trend to reduced proliferation. Significant inhibition of Akt and eNOS, but not ERK phosphorylation, was observed in T2DM cells. Hyperglycaemia did not modify ND-EC function, but TNF-α and palmitate significantly reduced angiogenic capacity (by 27% and 43%, resp.), effects mimicked by Akt inhibition. Aberrancies of EC function may help to explain the increased risk of SV graft failure in T2DM patients. This study highlights the importance of other potentially contributing factors in addition to hyperglycaemia that may inflict injury and long-term dysfunction to the homeostatic capacity of the endothelium.

Yes / Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) promotes premature atherosclerosis and inferior prognosis after arterial reconstruction. Vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) respond to patho/physiological stimuli, switching between quiescent contractile and activated synthetic phenotypes under the control of microRNAs (miRs) that regulate multiple genes critical to SMC plasticity. The importance of miRs to SMC function specifically in T2DM is unknown. This study was performed to evaluate phenotype and function in SMC cultured from non-diabetic and T2DM patients, to explore any aberrancies and investigate underlying mechanisms. Saphenous vein SMC cultured from T2DM patients (T2DM-SMC) exhibited increased spread cell area, disorganised cytoskeleton and impaired proliferation relative to cells from non-diabetic patients (ND-SMC), accompanied by a persistent, selective up-regulation of miR-143 and miR-145. Transfection of premiR-143/145 into ND-SMC induced morphological and functional characteristics similar to native T2DM-SMC; modulating miR-143/145 targets Kruppel-like factor 4, alpha smooth muscle actin and myosin VI. Conversely, transfection of antimiR-143/145 into T2DM-SMC conferred characteristics of the ND phenotype. Exposure of ND-SMC to transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) induced a diabetes-like phenotype; elevated miR-143/145, increased cell area and reduced proliferation. Furthermore, these effects were dependent on miR-143/145. In conclusion, aberrant expression of miR-143/145 induces a distinct saphenous vein SMC phenotype that may contribute to vascular complications in patients with T2DM, and is potentially amenable to therapeutic manipulation.

Yes / Background/purpose Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of morbidity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), frequently resulting in a requirement for coronary revascularization using the internal mammary artery (IMA) or saphenous vein (SV). Patency rates of SV grafts are inferior to IMA and further impaired by T2DM whilst IMA patencies appear similar in both populations. Smooth muscle cells (SMC) play a pivotal role in graft integration; we therefore examined the phenotype and proliferative function of IMA- and SV-SMC isolated from non-diabetic (ND) patients or those diagnosed with T2DM. Methods/materials SMC were cultured from fragments of SV or IMA. Morphology was analyzed under light microscopy (spread cell area measurements) and confocal microscopy (F-actin staining). Proliferation was analyzed by cell counting. Levels of RhoA mRNA, protein and activity were measured by real-time RT-PCR, western blotting and G-LISA respectively. Results IMA-SMC from T2DM and ND patients were indistinguishable in both morphology and function. By comparison, SV-SMC from T2DM patients exhibited significantly larger spread cell areas (1.5-fold increase, P < 0.05), truncated F-actin fibers and reduced proliferation (33% reduction, P < 0.05). Furthermore, lower expression and activity of RhoA were observed in SV-SMC of T2DM patients (37% reduction in expression, P < 0.05 and 43% reduction in activity, P < 0.01). Conclusions IMA-SMC appear impervious to phenotypic modulation by T2DM. In contrast, SV-SMC from T2DM patients exhibit phenotypic and functional changes accompanied by reduced RhoA activity. These aberrancies may be epigenetic in nature, compromising SMC plasticity and SV graft adaptation in T2DM patients.

Yes / Type 2 diabetes mellitus prevalence is growing globally, and the leading cause of mortality in these patients is cardiovascular disease. Epigenetic mechanisms such as microRNAs (miRs) and DNA methylation may contribute to complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus. We discovered an aberrant type 2 diabetes mellitus–smooth muscle cell phenotype driven by persistent up-regulation of miR-145. This study aimed to determine whether elevated expression was due to changes in methylation at the miR-145 promoter. Smooth muscle cells were cultured from saphenous veins of 22 non-diabetic and 22 type 2 diabetes mellitus donors. DNA was extracted, bisulphite treated and pyrosequencing used to interrogate methylation at 11 CpG sites within the miR-145 promoter. Inter-patient variation was high irrespective of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Differential methylation trends were apparent between non-diabetic and type 2 diabetes mellitus–smooth muscle cells at most sites but were not statistically significant. Methylation at CpGs −112 and −106 was consistently lower than all other sites explored in non-diabetic and type 2 diabetes mellitus–smooth muscle cells. Finally, miR-145 expression per se was not correlated with methylation levels observed at any site. The persistent up-regulation of miR- 145 observed in type 2 diabetes mellitus–smooth muscle cells is not related to methylation at the miR-145 promoter. Crucially, miR-145 methylation is highly variable between patients, serving as a cautionary note for future studies of this region in primary human cell types.

Yes / Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Smooth muscle cells (SMC) comprising the vascular wall can switch phenotypes from contractile to synthetic, which can promote the development of aberrant remodelling and intimal hyperplasia (IH). MicroRNA‐21 (miR‐21) is a short, non‐coding RNA that has been implicated in cardiovascular diseases including proliferative vascular disease and ischaemic heart disease. However, its involvement in the complex development of atherosclerosis has yet to be ascertained. Smooth muscle cells (SMC) were isolated from human saphenous veins (SV). miR‐21 was over‐expressed and the impact of this on morphology, proliferation, gene and protein expression related to synthetic SMC phenotypes monitored. Over‐expression of miR‐21 increased the spread cell area and proliferative capacity of SV‐SMC and expression of MMP‐1, whilst reducing RECK protein, indicating a switch to the synthetic phenotype. Furthermore, platelet‐derived growth factor BB (PDGF‐BB; a growth factor implicated in vasculoproliferative conditions) was able to induce miR‐21 expression via the PI3K and ERK signalling pathways. This study has revealed a mechanism whereby PDGF‐BB induces expression of miR‐21 in SV‐SMC, subsequently driving conversion to a synthetic SMC phenotype, propagating the development of IH. Thus, these signaling pathways may be attractive therapeutic targets to minimise progression of the disease. / King Saud University; College of Medicine , Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

EINLEITUNG: Die externe Stabilisierung von Venengrafts soll die Scherkräfte auf die Venenwand vermindern und dadurch die Ausbildung einer Neointimaproliferation reduzieren. In experimentellen Modellen wurde diese Hypothese im Kurzzeitversuch überprüft. Es fanden sich in diesem Zeitraum widersprüchliche Ergebnisse. Ziel unserer Untersuchung war es, in einem neuen Modell der arterialisierten segmentalen Vena-jugularis-Transposition auf die infrarenale Aorta den Einfluss einer externen Fibrinkleberstabilisierung auf die Neointimabildung des Venengrafts im Langzeitversuch darzustellen. MATERIAL UND METHODEN: Männlichen Wistar-Ratten wurden Segmente der Vena jugularis entnommen und in Flussrichtung, nach Entfernen eines Aortensegmentes, in die infrarenale Aorta eingebracht. Somit entspricht dieses einem Venenbypassmodell mit komplett arterialisiertem Venengraft. Vor

INTRODUÇÃO: Nos pacientes pediátricos, em razão das limitações relacionadas ao tamanho dos receptores, são utilizados segmentos do fígado provenientes de \"cadáver\" ou de doador vivo (\"fígado reduzido\"). As complicações decorrentes das anastomoses cirúrgicas podem ser de natureza vascular e biliar, sendo que a maior causa de perda do enxerto deve-se à trombose ou estenose da artéria hepática, veia porta e veias hepáticas. A ultra-sonografia convencional e com Doppler colorido (US-DC) pode ser utilizada para avaliação dessas complicações. Todavia, apesar da alta sensibilidade e especificidade deste método, há poucas descrições a respeito de parâmetros que podem ser utilizados para o estudo das alterações vasculares. OBJETIVO: Estabelecer parâmetros de ultra-sonografia convencional e com Doppler colorido (US-DC) para o diagnóstico de estenose da VP e VH no transplante hepático reduzido em crianças. MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo de 134 US-DC realizado em 48 crianças submetidas a transplante hepático segmentar no Instituto da Criança do Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (ICr-HC-FMUSP), entre janeiro de 2002 e julho de 2005. No estudo da VP, os seguintes parâmetros foram analisados: calibre da VP na anastomose; velocidade máxima na anastomose (VP1); velocidade máxima no segmento pré-anastomose (VP2) e relação entre as velocidades máximas na anastomose/préanastomose (VP1/VP2). No estudo da VH, foram analisados: velocidade máxima na anastomose (VH1); velocidade na VH (VH2) e relação entre as velocidades máximas na anastomose/VH (VH1/VH2). Pacientes com estenose confirmada pela angiografia foram incluídos no grupo estenose e pacientes com angiografia ou cirurgia normal ou com boa evolução clínica foram incluídos grupo controle. RESULTADOS: Quatorze US-DC tiveram estenose da VP confirmadas pela portografia. O calibre da VP na anastomose foi menor no grupo estenose do que no grupo controle (média 2,5mm e 6,3mm respectivamente); PV1 e PV1/PV2 foram maiores no grupo estenose do que no grupo controle (média PV1 = 172cm/s, PV1/PV2 = 5,1 / PV1 = 83cm/s, PV1/PV2 = 1,8 respectivamente). O calibre da VP < 3,3mm apresentou a melhor correlação com a portografia (sensibilidade = 93% e especificidade = 88%), seguidos de VP1 > 128cm/s (sensibilidade = 86% e especificidade = 84%) e VP1/VP2 > 2,4 (sensibilidade = 79% e especificidade = 86%). Doze US-DC tiveram estenose da VH confirmada pela angiografia. A VH1 e HV1/VH2 foram maiores no grupo estenose do que no grupo controle (média VH1 = 202.2cm/s, VH1/VH2 = 6,0 / VH1 = 136,8cm/s, VH1/VH2 = 3,0 respectivamente). A relação VH1/VH2 > 4 apresentou a melhor correlação com a angiografia (sensibilidade = 83% e especificidade = 84%) seguido de VH1 > 128cm/s (sensibilidade = 83% e especificidade = 52%). CONCLUSÃO: Calibre da VP < 3,3mm na anastomose e relação das velocidades VH1/VH2 > 4 são altamente sensíveis e específicos no diagnóstico das estenoses da anastomose da VP e VH respectivamente, no póstransplante hepático em crianças / INTRODUCTION: Cadáveric split liver and living donor liver transplantation is mostly performed in children because of a shortage of suitable hepatic allograft in this population. Real time and Doppler ultrasound (CD-US) is the initial imaging modality for detection and follow-up of early and delayed vascular and non-vascular complications after liver transplant, but there are only few studies concerning its value in the diagnosis of venous complications. OBJECTIVE: Determine real time and Doppler ultrasound (CD-US) diagnostic parameters of portal (PV) and hepatic vein (HV) stenoses after segmental liver transplantation in children and assess their sensitivity and specificity. METHOD: Retrospective study of 134 CD-US performed in 48 patients submitted to segmental liver transplantation at Child Institute of University of Sao Paulo Medical School from January 2002 through July 2005. PV parameters: diameter at the anastomosis, velocities at the anastomosis (PV1) and at the pre-anastomosis segments (PV2) and the ratio PV1/PV2. HV parameters: velocities at the HV anastomosis to the inferior vena cava (HV1), at HV (HV2) and the ratio HV1/HV2. Stenosis group: patients with stenosis confirmed by angiography. Control group: patients presenting normal angiography or uneventhfull surgery or good clinical outcome. RESULTS: Fourteen CD-US had PV stenosis confirmed by portography. Diameter of PV at the anastomosis: narrower in the stenosis group (2.5mm) than in the control group (6.3mm) (p<.5). Mean PV1 and PV1/PV2: higher in the stenosis group than in the control group (PV1 = 172 cm/s, PV1/PV2 = 5.1/PV1 = 83cm/s, PV1/PV2 = 1.8). Statistical analysis determined as predictive of PV stenosis: PV diameter < 3.3mm (sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 88.4%); PV1 > 128cm/s (sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 84%) and PV1/PV2 > 2.4 (sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 86%). Twelve CD-US had HV stenosis confirmed by angiography. Mean HV1 and HV1/HV2: higher in the study group (HV1 = 202.2cm/s, HV1/HV2 = 6.0 / HV1 = 136.8cm/s, HV1/HV2 = 3.0) (p<.05). Statistical analysis determined as predictive of HV stenosis: PV1 > 128cm/s (sensitivity of 83% and specificity of 52%) and HV1/HV2 > 4 (sensitivity of 83% and specificity of 84%). CONCLUSION: PV diameter < 3.3mm at the anastomosis and HV1/HV2 > 4.0 are highly predictive for detection of PV and HV stenosis respectively, after pediatric segmental liver transplantation

Partie I : Objectifs. Ce travail propose une étude anatomique du coeur de porc afin d’élaborer des recommandations pour la réalisation d’une chirurgie cardiaque expérimentale. Matériels et méthodes. 16 porcs ont été étudiés. Le réseau coronaire artériel a été étudié chirurgicalement (n=13) et angiographiquement (n=10). Le réseau veineux coronaire a été analysé par dissections anatomiques (n=13) et injections rétrogrades de bleu de méthylène via le sinus coronaire (n=8). Résultats. Le positionnement intrapéricardique spécifique du coeur de porc, limite l’accès à l’aorte ascendante et à l’oreillette droite et nécessite des précautions particulières pour la réalisation d’une sternotomie et d’une canulation de l’aorte ascendante avec cardioplégie antérograde par la racine de l’aorte. Le réseau coronaire artériel est comparable au réseau humain (réseau droit dominant: 70%). Le sinus coronaire reçoit 4 afférences contre 3 chez l’homme. L’étude de la distribution de surface du réseau veineux nécessite la ligature préalable de la veine azygos gauche et confirme une asymétrie de perfusion au détriment du VD. La paroi antérieure du VD étant drainée par des petites veines cardiaques indépendantes du sinus coronaire. Conclusions. La connaissance des spécificités anatomiques cardiaques du porc a permis d’établir des recommandations pour la réalisation du modèle d’autorétroperfusion myocardique et plus largement de procédures chirurgicales cardiaques expérimentales sécurisées. Partie II : Objectifs. La perfusion rétrograde dans le sinus coronaire est utilisée pour la diffusion d’une solution de cardioplégie. Nous avons développé un modèle porcin d’autorétroperfusion myocardique à coeur battant (SMR) utilisant le réseau veineux coronaire pour assurer l’oxygénation du myocarde ventriculaire gauche. Ce modèle nous a permis d’évaluer les réponses hémodynamiques et cardiaques induites par SMR avant et après occlusion de l’artère IVA. Matériels et Méthodes. Une dérivation entre l’aorte ascendante et le sinus coronaire a été mise en place pour assurer une perfusion rétrograde sélective de la grande veine coronaire en sang oxygéné (SMR). Un groupe Contrôle (n=6) a permis de collecter des données physiologiques de référence et un groupe SMR (n=6) a été spécifiquement dédié à l’évaluation du concept d’autorétroperfusion myocardique après occlusion de l’artère IVA pendant au moins 240 minutes. Le débit cardiaque (CO), la pression maximale intra-VG (Pmax in-LV), le volume éjecté (SV), la fraction d’éjection ventriculaire gauche (FEVG), la durée diastolique (DD), la fréquence cardiaque (HR) et la pression artérielle systémique ont été monitorés en continu durant la période d’autorétroperfusion au moyen d’un cathéter de conductance type Millar® avant et après occlusion de l’IVA. La qualité de la perfusion systémique périphérique a été évaluée par l’analyse de la microcirculation sublinguale. En fin de procédure, les coeurs étaient prélevés pour une analyse histologique. Résultats. L’évaluation échographique de la FEVG était biaisée par la sternotomie alors que celle réalisée par le cathéter de conductance ne l’était pas. Le débit cardiaque après sternotomie a chuté en moyenne de 7.51% (P < 0.05). L’autorétroperfusion avec artère IVA perméable a généré des effets inotropes positifs, caractérisés par une augmentation du CO, du SV, de la Pmax in-LV et de la FEVG (P <0.0001). Après occlusion de l’IVA, l’autorétroperfusion a assuré, durant 240 minutes, une oxygénation myocardique et une compensation hémodynamique garantissant la préservation de la perfusion périphérique. L’analyse histologique a confirmé l’absence d’infarctus myocardique. Conclusions. L’autorétroperfusion myocardique a confirmé des propriétés inotropes positives et protectrices contre l’ischémie ouvrant des perspectives d’applications intéressantes / Part I: Objectives. This work reports an anatomic study of swine heart in order to produce technical recommendations and achieve successful experimental cardiac surgical procedures. Methods. 16 swines were studied. Coronary artery vessels were surgically (n=13) and angiographically (n=10) assessed. Coronary venous vessels were studied by anatomic dissections (n=13) and retrograde injection of methylene blue through the coronary sinus (n=8). Results. Specific pericardial positioning of swine heart dramatically differs from human heart resulting in a limited access to ascending aorta and right atrium, requiring surgical precautions to perform a safe sternotomy and canulation of ascending aorta with an antegrade cardioplegia. Arterial coronary pattern is similar to that of humans (right dominant supply: 70%). Pig coronary sinus receives 4 main branches vs 3 in human sinus. Preliminary ligation of the left azygos vein is required to visualize the surface distribution of methylene blue within the venous vessels, thereby confirming an optimized perfusion of the left ventricle whereas the right ventricle remains poorly perfused. This asymmetry of perfusion results from a specific venous drainage of the right ventricle through small cardiac veins disconnected from coronary sinus. Conclusions. Anatomic knowledge of swine heart validated surgical guidelines for designing the model of self-myocardial retroperfusion and safely performing experimental cardiac surgical procedures. Part II: Background. Retrograde perfusion into the coronary sinus is used to deliver cardioplegia. We developed an in-vivo porcine beating-heart model of self-myocardial retroperfusion (SMR) using the venous route to supply myocardial oxygenation and sought to assess hemodynamic and cardiac responses triggered by SMR before and after a prolonged occlusion of the LAD.Methods. A bypass-line between the ascending aorta and the coronary sinus was made to perform a selective retrograde perfusion of the great cardiac vein with oxygenated blood (SMR). A Control group (n=6) was assigned to collect baseline data, and an SMR group (n=6) was dedicated to undergo SMR with occlusion of LAD for 240 minutes. Cardiac output (CO), maximal pressure in the LV (Pmax in-LV), stroke volume (SV), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), diastolic durations, heart rate, and arterial systemic pressure were evaluated with conductance catheters for the following periods: basal (before SMR), SMR with patent LAD, and SMR with occluded LAD. In order to assess peripheral perfusion, patterns of sublingual microcirculation were analyzed. At the end of the procedures, the hearts were harvested for histology. Results. Echographic LVEF evaluation was affected by sternotomy, but conductance catheter evaluation was not. Following pericardiotomy, CO decreased by 7.51% (P < 0.05). SMR with patent LAD showed inotropic properties with improvements in CO, SV, Pmax in-LV and LVEF (P < 0.0001). Following LAD occlusion, SMR supplied myocardial oxygenation with hemodynamic compensation and preserved the peripheral perfusion. Histology confirmed no signs of infarct. Conclusions. SMR showed capacities to produce inotropic effects and protect against ischemia, opening interesting potential applications

Venous disease will affect 1-3% of the western world at some point in their lives, yet there are few effective treatments for the venous system [1]. One such disease is chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a painful and debilitating illness that affects the superficial and deep vein valves of the legs. When the valves become incompetent they allow reflux and subsequent pooling of blood. Current clinical therapies are only moderately; and therefore, the need for a better solution remains. Prosthetic venous valves were constructed from a novel hydrogel biomaterial patented by Georgia Tech. The valves had flexible cusps similar to normal, anatomic venous valves. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the thrombotic potential of the GT venous valve in an in vitro study and to design a percutaneous delivery system. In vitro thrombosis model provides an appropriate intermediate step between valve development and in vivo analysis, which is necessary to determine the biocompatibility of the prosthetic device. The flow system was modified from a one-pass, flow-through thrombosis assay using whole blood [2] to mimic pulsatile physiologic conditions. Cessation of flow indicated thrombotic obstruction. Histological analysis was performed using H and E staining and Carstairs stain (specific for platelets). A group of valves were lined with Dacron to confirm the thrombotic potential of the system. All Dacron valves were occluded by thrombus connecting the polymer fibers with adherent platelets. Whole blood perfused through the GT prosthetic valves exhibited no thrombosis or platelet adherence. All GT valves were patent and competent after blood perfusion. H and E staining revealed no thrombus deposition on the GT vein valves. A percutaneous delivery system was designed after evaluating the GT valves for their compressibility and plastic deformation over time. Appropriate stents, catheters and sheaths were selected. As designed, this system will be utilized in an ovine trial of the valve. Due to the low in vitro thrombotic potential and strong history of PVA as a medical implant material, positive trial results are expected. With successful animal and human trials this valve can provide a potential intervention for the 7 million people suffering from CVI.

INTRODUÇÃO: Nos pacientes pediátricos, em razão das limitações relacionadas ao tamanho dos receptores, são utilizados segmentos do fígado provenientes de \"cadáver\" ou de doador vivo (\"fígado reduzido\"). As complicações decorrentes das anastomoses cirúrgicas podem ser de natureza vascular e biliar, sendo que a maior causa de perda do enxerto deve-se à trombose ou estenose da artéria hepática, veia porta e veias hepáticas. A ultra-sonografia convencional e com Doppler colorido (US-DC) pode ser utilizada para avaliação dessas complicações. Todavia, apesar da alta sensibilidade e especificidade deste método, há poucas descrições a respeito de parâmetros que podem ser utilizados para o estudo das alterações vasculares. OBJETIVO: Estabelecer parâmetros de ultra-sonografia convencional e com Doppler colorido (US-DC) para o diagnóstico de estenose da VP e VH no transplante hepático reduzido em crianças. MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo de 134 US-DC realizado em 48 crianças submetidas a transplante hepático segmentar no Instituto da Criança do Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (ICr-HC-FMUSP), entre janeiro de 2002 e julho de 2005. No estudo da VP, os seguintes parâmetros foram analisados: calibre da VP na anastomose; velocidade máxima na anastomose (VP1); velocidade máxima no segmento pré-anastomose (VP2) e relação entre as velocidades máximas na anastomose/préanastomose (VP1/VP2). No estudo da VH, foram analisados: velocidade máxima na anastomose (VH1); velocidade na VH (VH2) e relação entre as velocidades máximas na anastomose/VH (VH1/VH2). Pacientes com estenose confirmada pela angiografia foram incluídos no grupo estenose e pacientes com angiografia ou cirurgia normal ou com boa evolução clínica foram incluídos grupo controle. RESULTADOS: Quatorze US-DC tiveram estenose da VP confirmadas pela portografia. O calibre da VP na anastomose foi menor no grupo estenose do que no grupo controle (média 2,5mm e 6,3mm respectivamente); PV1 e PV1/PV2 foram maiores no grupo estenose do que no grupo controle (média PV1 = 172cm/s, PV1/PV2 = 5,1 / PV1 = 83cm/s, PV1/PV2 = 1,8 respectivamente). O calibre da VP < 3,3mm apresentou a melhor correlação com a portografia (sensibilidade = 93% e especificidade = 88%), seguidos de VP1 > 128cm/s (sensibilidade = 86% e especificidade = 84%) e VP1/VP2 > 2,4 (sensibilidade = 79% e especificidade = 86%). Doze US-DC tiveram estenose da VH confirmada pela angiografia. A VH1 e HV1/VH2 foram maiores no grupo estenose do que no grupo controle (média VH1 = 202.2cm/s, VH1/VH2 = 6,0 / VH1 = 136,8cm/s, VH1/VH2 = 3,0 respectivamente). A relação VH1/VH2 > 4 apresentou a melhor correlação com a angiografia (sensibilidade = 83% e especificidade = 84%) seguido de VH1 > 128cm/s (sensibilidade = 83% e especificidade = 52%). CONCLUSÃO: Calibre da VP < 3,3mm na anastomose e relação das velocidades VH1/VH2 > 4 são altamente sensíveis e específicos no diagnóstico das estenoses da anastomose da VP e VH respectivamente, no póstransplante hepático em crianças / INTRODUCTION: Cadáveric split liver and living donor liver transplantation is mostly performed in children because of a shortage of suitable hepatic allograft in this population. Real time and Doppler ultrasound (CD-US) is the initial imaging modality for detection and follow-up of early and delayed vascular and non-vascular complications after liver transplant, but there are only few studies concerning its value in the diagnosis of venous complications. OBJECTIVE: Determine real time and Doppler ultrasound (CD-US) diagnostic parameters of portal (PV) and hepatic vein (HV) stenoses after segmental liver transplantation in children and assess their sensitivity and specificity. METHOD: Retrospective study of 134 CD-US performed in 48 patients submitted to segmental liver transplantation at Child Institute of University of Sao Paulo Medical School from January 2002 through July 2005. PV parameters: diameter at the anastomosis, velocities at the anastomosis (PV1) and at the pre-anastomosis segments (PV2) and the ratio PV1/PV2. HV parameters: velocities at the HV anastomosis to the inferior vena cava (HV1), at HV (HV2) and the ratio HV1/HV2. Stenosis group: patients with stenosis confirmed by angiography. Control group: patients presenting normal angiography or uneventhfull surgery or good clinical outcome. RESULTS: Fourteen CD-US had PV stenosis confirmed by portography. Diameter of PV at the anastomosis: narrower in the stenosis group (2.5mm) than in the control group (6.3mm) (p<.5). Mean PV1 and PV1/PV2: higher in the stenosis group than in the control group (PV1 = 172 cm/s, PV1/PV2 = 5.1/PV1 = 83cm/s, PV1/PV2 = 1.8). Statistical analysis determined as predictive of PV stenosis: PV diameter < 3.3mm (sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 88.4%); PV1 > 128cm/s (sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 84%) and PV1/PV2 > 2.4 (sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 86%). Twelve CD-US had HV stenosis confirmed by angiography. Mean HV1 and HV1/HV2: higher in the study group (HV1 = 202.2cm/s, HV1/HV2 = 6.0 / HV1 = 136.8cm/s, HV1/HV2 = 3.0) (p<.05). Statistical analysis determined as predictive of HV stenosis: PV1 > 128cm/s (sensitivity of 83% and specificity of 52%) and HV1/HV2 > 4 (sensitivity of 83% and specificity of 84%). CONCLUSION: PV diameter < 3.3mm at the anastomosis and HV1/HV2 > 4.0 are highly predictive for detection of PV and HV stenosis respectively, after pediatric segmental liver transplantation