Portal vein branching pattern in anomalous right-sided round ligament

Abstract

Objective: To study the relationship of anomalous right-sided round ligament with respect to branches of the portal vein.

Methods: We studied four patients of right-sided round ligament diagnosed radiologically in the last 5 years. 3-D volume rendered CECT abdominal images were analyzed for attachment of the round ligament in the liver in relation to portal venous anatomy and position of gallbladder.

Results: In all cases, a trifurcate pattern of portal venous branching was observed. Right-sided round ligament was attached at the point of divergence of the right anterior portal vein. The region to the left of the point of its attachment drained into the middle hepatic vein while the region to the right of the point of attachment drained into the right hepatic vein. The left portal vein branched into posterior and paramedian branches. Right, middle, and left hepatic veins were visualized having normal course in all cases. In all, the gallbladder was present to the left of the round ligament.

Conclusions: Trifurcate pattern of portal vein branching in all four cases. Right-sided round ligament was attached to the bifurcation of the right anterior portal vein in all the cases. The left portal vein branched into posterior and paramedian branches.