Significance of the portal vein helix.
BACKGROUND
The portal venous system plays a major role in a variety of disease processes. Although the anatomy, histology and physiology of the portal vein have been extensively studied over the last century, very little attention has been given to its unique helical structure. Previous documentation of the helical structure has been based on microscopic, macroscopic and radiological appearances.


METHODS
A more refined method than the above was used to image the portal vein helix. Resin casts of the portal venous system were performed in 6 rats, 1 baboon and 1 human.


RESULTS
All species had a clearly demonstrated helical structure of the portal vein situated above the splenic vein.


CONCLUSIONS
The unique structure of the portal vein and its subsequent helical flow has been neglected in medical research. The significance of the activated portal helix and its effect on the blood flow into the liver needs further investigation.
Departments of Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery and Plastic Surgery, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town.
A B
AB
Van As
R
R
Hickman
G H
GH
Engelbrecht
P
P
Makan
F
F
Duminy
D
D
Kahn
D000818:Animals; D010215:Papio; D011169:Portal Vein / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D051381:Rats; D012039:Regional Blood Flow