Correlation of Portal Vein Doppler Parameters with Child Pugh and MELD Scores in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis: A Cross Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Introduction: Liver cirrhosis is associated with progressive hepatic dysfunction and altered portal venous hemodynamics. Doppler ultrasonography provides a non-invasive method for assessing portal venous changes. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between portal vein Doppler parameters and Child-Pugh and MELD scores in patients with liver cirrhosis.Materials and Methods: This hospital-based, cross-sectional study included 75 patients with liver cirrhosis at Mamata Medical College, Khammam. Portal vein diameter, mean flow velocity, and congestion index were assessed using Doppler ultrasonography. Disease severity was evaluated using Child-Pugh and MELD scores. Statistical associations were assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficient.Results: Among 75 patients, 69.3% were males, and alcohol-related cirrhosis was the predominant etiology (56.0%). Child-Pugh Class B accounted for 46.7% of patients. Portal vein diameter and congestion index increased significantly across Child-Pugh classes, whereas mean flow velocity decreased (p<0.001). Congestion index demonstrated the strongest positive correlation with Child-Pugh score (ρ=0.771), followed by portal vein diameter (ρ=0.584). Mean flow velocity showed a negative correlation (ρ=−0.656). Similar significant correlations were observed with MELD scores.Conclusion: Portal vein Doppler parameters were associated with cirrhosis severity. Congestion index and mean flow velocity may serve as complementary non-invasive indicators alongside Child-Pugh and MELD scores. Keywords: Liver cirrhosis; Portal vein Doppler; Child-Pugh score; MELD score; Portal vein congestion index; Portal hypertension.