periportalen

Periportalen is a term used in anatomy and pathology to describe structures and tissues located around the portal triad in the liver. The portal triad consists of the portal vein, the hepatic artery proper, and the bile duct, embedded in connective tissue along with accompanying nerves and lymphatics. The periportal region surrounds these portal tracts and is a key reference zone in hepatic histology and radiology.

In microscopic anatomy, the periportal area corresponds to zone 1 of the liver acinus, the region closest to the portal tract. Hepatocytes in this zone receive oxygen-rich blood and are typically involved in oxidative metabolism, gluconeogenesis, and bile production, in contrast to the pericentral zone (zone 3) near the central vein, which has different metabolic priorities.

Pathology frequently involves the periportal regions. Inflammatory processes such as acute and chronic hepatitis often show portal tract inflammation and expansion. Cholestatic diseases can lead to periportal edema and, with longer duration, periportal fibrosis. Periportal lymphadenopathy may also be observed in certain infections, systemic inflammatory conditions, or malignancies.

Imaging findings related to the periportal region include periportal thickening or edema, which can indicate inflammation, infection, venous congestion, or biliary disease. On ultrasound, CT, or MRI, the portal tracts may appear enlarged or inflamed, sometimes with associated changes in the surrounding liver parenchyma.

See also: liver anatomy, portal triad, hepatic acinus, zone 1 (periportal zone).