TITLE:
Anatomical Variants of the Hepatic Artery and Portal Vein on CT-Scan in Two Cities in Cameroon
AUTHORS:
Moulion Tapouh Jean Roger, Lanike Berenice Ndim, Nwatsock Joseph-Francis, Kowo Mathurin Pierre, Mbouche Landry Oriole, Moifo Boniface
KEYWORDS:
Anatomic Variant, Hepatic Artery, Portal Vein, CT-Scan, Cameroon
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Radiology,
Vol.16 No.2,
April
23,
2026
ABSTRACT: Background: Anatomical variants are common in hepatic vasculature. They have gained clinical relevance with the expansion of laparoscopic surgery, living donor transplantation, and interventional radiology, where unrecognized patterns may increase perioperative risk. Emerging evidence suggests that the prevalence and distribution of vascular variants may vary across populations and geographic regions. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and characterize the types of anatomical variants of the hepatic artery and portal vein in patients undergoing imaging in Douala and Yaoundé, Cameroon. Methodology: This cross-sectional study involved the review of multiphasic thoracoabdominopelvic (TAP) and abdominal computed tomography (CT) examinations performed between September 1 and December 31, 2024, in three radiology departments located in Douala and Yaoundé. Eligible CT scans with at least arterial and portal venous phases were assessed for variants in hepatic artery and portal vein anatomy. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Statistical significance was set at a p-value Results: In our sample of 439 patients, there was a male-to-female ratio, 1:1.8 and the mean age was 51.6 +/− 16.2 years. We analyzed 420 scans for hepatic artery anatomy and 413 scans for portal vein anatomy. Variant hepatic artery anatomy was observed in 45.2% of the population, with the Michel types V, II and III being the most common (18.1%, 11.0% and 5.2% prevalence respectively). Variants in the portal vein were observed in 24.5%, with the separate branch of the right portal vein (RPV) and trifurcation of the main PV being the most common variants (14.6% and 7.7% prevalence respectively). No association with gender was observed. Conclusion: Hepatic vascular variants exist in the Cameroonian population with a similar prevalence to those described in the literature. However, there is some difference in the variants of hepatic artery and portal vein anatomy. These findings support routine preoperative vascular mapping to guide hepatic surgery and interventional procedures.