Hepatopetal

Last revised by Daniel J Bell on 30 Aug 2019

Hepatopetal denotes flow of blood towards the liver, which is the normal direction of blood flow through the portal vein. The term is typically used when discussing the portal vein or recanalized vein of the ligamentum teres in patients with suspected portal hypertension.

It is the opposite of hepatofugal.

History and etymology

The term hepatopetal derives from the Ancient Greek 'hepar' meaning 'liver' and Latin 'petere' meaning 'to seek' referring to the direction of flow towards the liver.

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