American Board of Pathology (ABPath) Practice Test

The Doppler waveform of the hepatic vein typically demonstrates a hepatofugal pattern, characterized by flow moving away from the liver. This is significant because the hepatic veins drain deoxygenated blood from the liver into the inferior vena cava. In a healthy individual, the expected Doppler waveform will show a triphasic pattern that reflects the influence of the heart's pulsations and the respiratory cycle. However, during diastole, the predominant flow is directed hepatofugally. This understanding is critical in assessing hepatic blood flow dynamics, especially when evaluating liver conditions or portal hypertension. Recognition of the hepatofugal flow pattern can also aid in various diagnostic evaluations pertaining to hepatic function and venous obstruction. The other options, while related to different aspects of blood flow or pathological conditions, do not accurately represent the typical hepatic vein Doppler waveform.