Anatomic variation: absence of portal vein bifurcation.
OBJECTIVE
To describe in CT scan the absence of a portal vein bifurcation.


METHODS
We described the contrast-enhanced CT scan appearance of an absence of portal vein bifurcation in an "asymptomatic" 39 year old woman.


RESULTS
It was a single intrahepatic portal vein which crossed the entire liver parenchyma from the right to the left and with a gradually decreasing diameter. The vascularization of the hepatic parenchyma was not ensured by third order branches, but directly made by second order ramifications which were regularly originated from the single IHPV along its course. This unusual portal vein mimicking a left portal vein agenesis, appeared in fact to be more in relation with a right portal vein agenesis. Distribution of hepatic veins and hepatic volume was normal.


CONCLUSIONS
This very rare anatomic variation is easily detected on CT scan and appears important to describe for surgeon and interventional radiologists.
Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire de Treichville, Service de Radiologie 01, BPV3, Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Eric Kouamé
EK
Kouadio
Abdellah
A
Bessayah
Pierre-Jean
PJ
Valette
Olivier
O
Glehen
Joseph
J
Nloga
Aboubacar Sidiki
AS
Diabaté
Jean-Marc
JM
Garcier
François
F
Cotton
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006503:Hepatic Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011169:Portal Vein / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed