Radiological visualization of the portal venous system. A historical review.

A summary of several techniques for visualization of the portal venous system, developed in the last four decades, is given. The various methods are divided into direct and indirect techniques. Indirect arterial portography is the method of choice in patients with cirrhosis of the liver, being the most physiologic technique, visualizing the total portal venous system including arterial supply and having a low complication risk.