A total of 110 arterial portographies via superior mesenteric artery were performed on 100 patients at Hanyang Univ. Hospital inthe past 2 years, RESULT : 1. The appearance time and optimal opacification time of the portal vein system were obtained approximately 6 seconds earlier in the prostaglandin Esub 1 portograms than in the cotrol portograms. 2. The incidence of opacification of the intrahepatic portal veins was greater in the prostaglandin Esub 1 portograms than in the control portograms. 3. The main portal vein and intrahepatic portal veins were more clearly opacified in the prostaglandin Esub 1portograms than in the control portograms. 4. The prostaglandin Esub 1 portograms provided clearer and more detailed opacification of the portal vein system than the control portograms in the same patients. 5. There was a minimal decrease in blood pressure with a concomitant small rise in heart rate and mild abdominal painfollowing the prostaglandin Esub 1 injection.