Takagi et al: Computed angiographic variations in hepatic venous vasculature in dogs
Veterinary Surgery 4, 2022

🔍 Key Findings

  • Hepatic venous drainage patterns vary widely across all lobes, especially the left lateral lobe.
  • Right lateral lobe had a median of 2 vessels draining directly into the caudal vena cava (CVC); range: 1–4.
  • Caudate process of caudate lobe had the most variability: 1–5 vessels draining into the CVC; 2 vessels was most common (54.5%).
  • Left lateral lobe drained via 2–8 veins into the left hepatic vein (LHV), with 3 veins most common (31.2%).
  • Left medial lobe typically had 1 vein draining into the LHV (61% of dogs).
  • Papillary process drained into the LHV in 93.5% of cases; 6.5% drained directly to the CVC.
  • Quadrate lobe always had 1 vessel draining either directly to the CVC or via the LHV.
  • CTA revealed more variations than previously described in plastinated or cadaveric studies, highlighting its superior value in surgical planning.

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Takagi et al: Computed angiographic variations in hepatic venous vasculature in dogs
Veterinary Surgery 4, 2022

🔍 Key Findings

  • Hepatic venous drainage patterns vary widely across all lobes, especially the left lateral lobe.
  • Right lateral lobe had a median of 2 vessels draining directly into the caudal vena cava (CVC); range: 1–4.
  • Caudate process of caudate lobe had the most variability: 1–5 vessels draining into the CVC; 2 vessels was most common (54.5%).
  • Left lateral lobe drained via 2–8 veins into the left hepatic vein (LHV), with 3 veins most common (31.2%).
  • Left medial lobe typically had 1 vein draining into the LHV (61% of dogs).
  • Papillary process drained into the LHV in 93.5% of cases; 6.5% drained directly to the CVC.
  • Quadrate lobe always had 1 vessel draining either directly to the CVC or via the LHV.
  • CTA revealed more variations than previously described in plastinated or cadaveric studies, highlighting its superior value in surgical planning.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Takagi 2022 et al., on hepatic venous anatomy, what major advantage does computed tomography angiography (CTA) offer compared to plastination or cadaveric methods?

A. More consistent vessel size
B. Improved image resolution
C. Detection of microscopic metastases
D. Identification of small intrahepatic venous variations
E. Better visualization of lymph nodes

Answer: Identification of small intrahepatic venous variations

Explanation: CTA with contrast identifies small vessels not visualized using plastination or cadaveric studies.
In Takagi 2022 et al., on hepatic venous anatomy, which liver lobe exhibited the greatest variability in the number of veins draining into the left hepatic vein?

A. Right medial lobe
B. Left medial lobe
C. Left lateral lobe
D. Papillary process
E. Quadrate lobe

Answer: Left lateral lobe

Explanation: The left lateral lobe showed 2–8 draining veins into the LHV, the widest range observed.
In Takagi 2022 et al., on hepatic venous anatomy, what was the most commonly observed number of veins draining the caudate process of the caudate lobe directly into the caudal vena cava?

A. 1 vein
B. 2 veins
C. 3 veins
D. 4 veins
E. 5 veins

Answer: 2 veins

Explanation: Two veins were observed in 54.5% of dogs, making it the most common finding.
In Takagi 2022 et al., on hepatic venous anatomy, which liver lobe consistently showed a single hepatic vein draining into the caudal vena cava or via the left hepatic vein?

A. Left lateral lobe
B. Right lateral lobe
C. Quadrate lobe
D. Caudate process
E. Left medial lobe

Answer: Quadrate lobe

Explanation: The quadrate lobe had a consistent single draining vessel in all dogs studied.
In Takagi 2022 et al., on hepatic venous anatomy, how frequently did the papillary process drain into the caudal vena cava rather than the left hepatic vein?

A. 0%
B. 2.5%
C. 6.5%
D. 13%
E. 20%

Answer: 6.5%

Explanation: In 5 out of 77 dogs (6.5%), the papillary process drained directly into the CVC instead of the LHV.

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