[Anatomy and variants of hepatic segments, vessels, and bile ducts]

Knowledge of normal liver anatomy and its variants is indispensable for the radiologist. Accurate assessment of anomalies of the arterial, portal (venous), and biliary system and of liver segments using computed tomography is necessary for consultation with the surgeon and deciding on the therapeutic strategy. The multidetector CT is the most important tool for preoperative evaluation. Alternatively, MRI can be used with special regard to the biliary system (MRCP). This article reviews the most important variants of the liver detected with imaging modalities and their clinical relevance.