Retrograde flow into the inferior vena caca and/or hepatic veins have been associated with right heart dysfunction such as tricuspid valve regurgitation. However, much of the studies in the literature were conducted on patients’ with other medical illnesses which may affect the finding. So, we are conducting a study on population of healthy liver donors to assess the association. Also, we are reporting the frequency of each reflux grade which may range from grade I “no reflux is present” to grade VI “severe reflux that reaches peripheral hepatic veins”.

Computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen with contrast enhancement and transthoracic echocardiography are some of the essential investigation for evaluation of liver donors. We retrospectively reviewed all the CT scans and echocardiographic reports of potential liver donors. CT scans were used to assess the reflux on contrast material into the inferior vena cava and/or hepatic veins during the venous phase. Reflux severity were graded from grade I to grade VI. Echocardiographic reports were reviewed for the presence of the tricuspid regurgitation. Tricuspid regurgitations were reported as normal, trace or mild regurgitation.

We had 246 donors, with mean age of 34 and range from 23-59. There was a male predominance 180 cases (73.2%). The severity of the reflux were reported as normal or mild reflux (grade I-III), or moderate to severe reflux (grade IV-VI). We had 149 (60.6%) cases of normal to mild reflux and 97 (39.4%) of moderate to severe reflux. There was no significant correlation between the reflux severity and the presence of right heart dysfunction.

The presence of inferior vena cava and or hepatic veinreflux ia relatively common finding in CT scans. Itpresence doenot correlate with right heart dysfunction.

Since there is no correlation with right heart dysfunction, it is not warranted to perform any cardiac investigation in case of presence of reflux.