Developmental intrahepatic shunts of childhood: radiological features and management.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of radiological techniques in the diagnosis and management of developmental intrahepatic shunts. Hepatic vascular fistulae are recognised sequelae of liver trauma and intrahepatic tumours. However, there are rare developmental malformations which may present in childhood or later life and which may carry life-threatening complications. Retrospective analysis of clinical and radiological data was carried out in 24 patients. Anomalies evaluated were: (a) direct communication between hepatic artery and hepatic veins; (b) congenital hepatoportal arteriovenous malformations; and (c) congenital portocaval anastomosis with persistent flow through the ductus venosus. Although rare, the prompt recognition of these vascular anomalies allows early surgical or radiological intervention and reversal of the haemodynamic complications.
Paley
M R
MR
Department of Radiology, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, UK.
Farrant
P
P
Kane
P
P
Heaton
N D
ND
Howard
E R
ER
Karani
J B
JB
D001164:Arteriovenous Fistula / Q000151:congenital* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001165:Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006390:Hemangioendothelioma / Q000151:congenital / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006499:Hepatic Artery / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006503:Hepatic Veins / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000151:congenital / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D011169:Portal Vein / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014682:Vena Cava, Inferior / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging