Sonography Canada Generalist Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Prep

In the evaluation of a patient suspected of Budd-Chiari syndrome, the liver is the primary focus for the sonographer. Budd-Chiari syndrome is characterized by the obstruction of hepatic venous outflow, which primarily affects the liver's blood supply and drainage. This obstruction can lead to liver congestion, hepatomegaly, and ultimately liver dysfunction.

Ultrasound examination of the liver in this context involves assessing the patency of the hepatic veins and inferior vena cava, identifying any thrombus, and looking for signs of liver swelling or other related abnormalities. The sonography findings will often include altered hepatic blood flow patterns and signs of portal hypertension, which are indicative of the syndrome.

Focusing on the liver is crucial for diagnosis and subsequent management because any intervention or treatment strategy (such as anticoagulation, stenting, or surgical procedures) will primarily aim to restore normal venous drainage to the liver. The other organs listed, while important in their own right, do not play a direct role in the context of Budd-Chiari syndrome.