Radiographic visualization of the portal venous system by splenoportography has proved worthwhile in the evaluation of patients with portal hypertension. This technie, however, has serious technical limitations, is hazardous, and is frequently contraindicated in patients to whom it might be of great value. Furthermore, the hepatogram phase has been found disappointing when used to visualize space-occupying hepatic lesions. To overcome the disadvantages of splenoportography, we have approached the portal venous system through the umbilical vein remnant (1). This communication illustrates the superb radiographic quality of portal venography as performed through the umbilical vein and demonstrates the unique usefulness of this technic for the visualization of space-occupying hepatic lesions. Examples chosen from 60 umbilical vein catheterizations are presented. Method Umbilical vein portograms and hepatograms were obtained in patients with cirrhosis of the liver and/or suspected portal hypertension and in th...