posterior superior pancreaticoduodenal vein

The posterior superior pancreaticoduodenal vein is a vein that is a tributary of the hepatic portal vein, draining the dorsal surface of the distal first and second portions of the duodenum and the dorsal surface of the pancreatic head.

It is located in the upper abdomen, coursing along the posterior aspect of the pancreatic head and the adjacent first and second duodenal portions, draining superiorly into the hepatic portal vein.

Its function is to drain venous blood from the dorsal surfaces of the distal first and second duodenum and the dorsal pancreatic head into the hepatic portal vein, contributing to portal venous return.

Pancreatic head tumors and periampullary malignancies may be associated with invasion or compression of this vein, which is a surgically important structure during Whipple procedures.

Contrast-enhanced CT or MRI with venous phase imaging is used to delineate the posterior superior pancreaticoduodenal vein and evaluate for tumor involvement in the context of pancreatic pathology.