Sonographic anatomy of the hepatic artery.

One hundred clinical abdominal sonographic examinations were assessed to determine the frequency with which various parts of the hepatic artery system were imaged. The common, proper, and right hepatic arteries were seen in a large percentage of cases (92%, 75%, and 73%, respectively). Sixty-one consecutive patients with dilated biliary ducts were evaluated to determine the relationship of hepatic artery branches to the biliary tree and portal venous system. Normal and variant hepatic artery anatomy is discussed. Knowledge of the hepatic artery system and its variations is useful in the sonographic assessment of problems involving the gallbladder, liver, pancreas, and portal venous system.