Incidence and importance of portal venous gas in children with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis

This retrospective study of 545 infants with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis found that portal venous gas on ultrasound occurs in 1.8% of cases and appears to be a benign incidental finding. The presence of portal venous gas did not correlate with more severe presentation, electrolyte abnormalities, or prolonged hospital stay, suggesting no need for additional imaging when detected.