Table 1 Normal sites of portosystemic anastomoses
Sites | Portal component | Systemic component |
|---|---|---|
Lower oesophagus | Left gastric vein | Oesophageal veins |
Rectum and anal canal | Superior rectal vein | Middle and inferior rectal veins |
Umbilicus | Paraumbilical veins | Superior and inferior epigastric veins |
Bare area of liver | Portal venous branches | Inferior phrenic and right internal thoracic vein |
Retroperitoneum | Tributaries of splenic and pancreatic and colic veins | Renal, suprarenal, paravertebral and gonadal vein |
Patent ductus venosus (rare) | Left branch of portal vein | Inferior vena cava (IVC) |