Multidetector row CT angiography in the evaluation of the hepatic artery and its anatomical variants

A detailed study of the hepatic arteries is mandatory for several pathological conditions affecting the liver. Multidetector-row CT angiography (MDCTA), using fast patient imaging and thin collimation, generates near-isotropic voxels, producing excellent image quality and detail. In particular pre-surgical planning for patients undergoing hepatic surgery (tumour resection, transplantation) or selective chemotherapy infusion, requires a complete detailed assessment of hepatic vessel anatomy. The purpose of this article is to review the normal hepatic artery anatomy and its variants according to the Michels Classification, describing the post-processing techniques that can be employed to achieve the best results.