What does a positive hepatic vein reflux sign indicate?

Hepatic vein reflux sign positive indicates that the patient may suffer from liver tumor or cirrhosis. Under normal conditions, the hepatic vein reflux sign should be negative, and positive results are mostly seen in patients with right heart failure or right heart insufficiency. Further examinations are needed, and generally, serum AFP measurement and CT examination are required for diagnosis, which can help in better treatment.

1. What is a positive hepatic jugular vein reflux sign?

A positive hepatic jugular vein reflux sign is a unique clinical sign, and the hepatic jugular vein reflux sign in healthy people is negative. Clinically, a positive hepatic jugular vein reflux sign is mainly seen in patients with right heart failure or right heart insufficiency. This is mainly because when right heart failure occurs, the entire systemic circulation becomes congested, which in turn causes congestion in the entire liver. If the patient's liver area is pressed, their jugular vein will become significantly distended, indicating a positive hepatic jugular vein reflux sign.

2. Examination method for a positive hepatic jugular vein reflux sign:

Instruct the patient to lie flat, use a high pillow, and breathe through their mouth. The doctor stands on the patient's right side and gently presses on the right side of the patient's liver area with the right palm. After gradually pressing down for a few seconds, observe the degree of jugular vein distension. When the examiner stops pressing, the jugular vein distension will immediately disappear. This sign is extremely important for doctors to diagnose right heart insufficiency.

3. What does a positive hepatic vein reflux sign indicate?

First, it is commonly seen in liver tumors, which mainly occur in the liver and can be benign or malignant. Patients are prone to gastrointestinal bleeding, liver pain, hepatomegaly, etc. It is recommended to perform serum AFP measurement and CT examination, and liver transplantation may be an option for treatment. Second, it is commonly seen in cirrhosis, which can lead to liver dysfunction, ascites, dull complexion, mild jaundice, etc. It is recommended to perform a liver biopsy, and glutathione tablets can be administered.