The inferior right hepatic vein: ultrasonic demonstration

The inferior right hepatic vein (IRHV) was demonstrated sonographically in 27 out of 269 patients (10%). It was shown to be thicker than the right hepatic vein in 8 (3%). In 2 patients, two accessory right hepatic veins were demonstrated, with one being the IRHV and the other the middle right hepatic vein. Delineation of the IRHV is significant in hepatectomy, detection of tumor thrombus in hepatocellular carcinoma, Budd-Chiari syndrome, and dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts.