To review the normal and variant anatomy of the portal vein. To discuss the congenital portal veinanomalies. To attain comprehension of the spectrum of acquired portal venous abnormalities of varied aetiology. To become familiar with the interventional radiological procedures pertaining to the portal vein.

Ultrasound (US), contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are equally capable of depicting portal vein anatomy and abnormalities. Doppler US has added advantages over CT and MRI in providing information about flow pattern, velocity and direction. CT scan acquisition parameters: All CT images were acquired on a 64 slice multi-detector row, spectral energy CT using a quadriphasic contrast enhanced protocol. Tube current and voltage of280 MAs and 120 Kvp were employed. The entire liver was scanned in preconstrast, arterial, portal venous...

Normal Anatomy The portal vein drains the entire gastrointestinal tract excluding the anal canal. The three main portal venous tributaries are the splenic, superior mesenteric and inferior mesenteric veins. Smaller tributaries include the left gastric (coronary), right gastric, cystic, and paraumbilical veins. The portal vein divides into the left and right lobar veins.The right portal vein divides into anterior and posterior sectoral branches, which subdivide into superior and inferior segmental branches which supply segments 5, 6, 7 & 8 (Fig. 1). The left portal vein...

The portal vein is encountered in all cross sectional imaging studies of the abdomen. Abnormalities may be specifically sought for or detected incidentally. Knowledge of the various congenital and acquired abnormalities of the portal vein can facilitate a definitive diagnosis and is indispensible in planning for hepatic surgery and interventional radiologic procedures. Variant portal vein anatomy is seen in upto 35% of the population Variant anatomy may render a potential liver donor unsuitable for organ donation in cases with portal venous trifurcation, quadrification, absent bifurcation...

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Dr Ankur Dev, FRCR Assistant Professor Department of Radiology and Interventional Radiology Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences New Delhi, India