Significance of the portal vein helix

Background. The portal venous system plays a major role in a variety of dis ease processes. Although the anatomy, histology and physiology of the porta l vein have been extensively studied over the last century, very little att ention has been given to its unique helical structure. Previous documentati on of the helical structure has been based on microscopic, macroscopic and radiological appearances. Materials and methods. A more refined method than the above was used to ima ge the portal vein helix. Resin casts of the portal venous system were perf ormed in 6 rats, 1 baboon and 1 human. Results. All species had a clearly demonstrated helical structure of the po rtal vein situated above the splenic vein. Conclusion. The unique structure of the portal vein and its subsequent heli cal flow has been neglected in medical research. The significance of the ac tivated portal helix and its effect on the blood flow into the liver needs further investigation.