Abstract
PURPOSE: Microangiography is an experimental radiologic technique for evaluation of the morphology and
the function of small vessels. The purpose of this study is to introduce a good microangiographic technique and
to present the microangiographic appearance of normal hepatic vascular pattern.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five white rabbits weighing 2.5-2.9Kg were objected. Polyethylene catheters
were inserted in portal vein and then in IVC. Heparin mixed normal saline (2cc/1000cc) was infused through
portal vein and blood was drained to IVC. Barium suspension was infused via the catheter placed in portal vein
untill the liver surface showed satisfactory finding in barium filling. The liver was removed and this preparation
was fixed in 10% formaline for 7 days. After fixation, the liver was sectioned on 1-2mm thickeness. The slices
were radiographed on high resolution plate using Faxitron. H-E staining of liver tissue was also done.
RESULTS: The microbrium was well distributed in all small vessels without filling defect. And we could find
the hexagonal shaped classic liver Iobule, in which the central vein was located at central portion and portal
vein at periphery. The enlargement was showed numerous sinusoids, but there was less dye in the central
portion of Iobule, but the central vein was well filled by microbarium. The peripheral portion of Iobule was well
filled with microbarium. So, we could find diamond shaped liver acinus, in which central vein was located at
priperal portion and the center of liver acinus was terminal portal vein that growed out from a small portal
space. The three acini made the complex acinus and acinar agglomerate was composed of three or four complex acini.
CONCLUSION: It is considered that the liver acinus pattern of Rapparport is more acceptable on
microangiography than the classic concept of hepatic Iobule.