On transverse grey-scale ultrasound at the porta hepatis, a normal 'Mickey Mouse' configuration is seen. Which structure forms the face, and which two form the ears?

• A Common bile duct is the face; portal vein and hepatic artery are the ears
• B Inferior vena cava is the face; portal vein and hepatic artery are the ears
• C Portal vein is the face; common bile duct and hepatic artery are the ears ✓
• D Hepatic artery is the face; portal vein and common bile duct are the ears

Explanation

At the porta hepatis the large thin-walled portal vein lies posteriorly and forms the face, with the common bile duct anterolaterally as one ear and the hepatic artery medially as the other. Recognising this arrangement allows systematic assessment of each member of the portal triad. The inferior vena cava lies separately behind the caudate lobe and is not part of the triad.

Reference: Diagnostic Ultrasound by Rumack, 5th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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