What is the normal direction of flow in the portal vein?

What is the normal direction of flow in the portal vein?

• A. Hepatopetal
• B. Hepatofugal
• C. Bidirectional
• D. Absent

Answer: (A)

Normal portal venous flow is hepatopetal, meaning the blood moves toward the liver. The portal vein brings nutrient-rich blood from the gastrointestinal tract to the liver for processing, so the typical Doppler pattern shows flow directed toward the hepatic parenchyma. If flow were hepatofugal (away from the liver), that would signal pathology such as portal hypertension or venous obstruction. Absent flow would indicate occlusion of the portal vein, and bidirectional flow would reflect abnormal hemodynamics or collateral shunting.

Normal portal venous flow is hepatopetal, meaning the blood moves toward the liver. The portal vein brings nutrient-rich blood from the gastrointestinal tract to the liver for processing, so the typical Doppler pattern shows flow directed toward the hepatic parenchyma. If flow were hepatofugal (away from the liver), that would signal pathology such as portal hypertension or venous obstruction. Absent flow would indicate occlusion of the portal vein, and bidirectional flow would reflect abnormal hemodynamics or collateral shunting.