title: Idiopathic dilation of the ductus venosus: an unusual anomaly of the fetal blood vessels.
abstract: The ductus venosus (DV) is a blood vessel unique to the fetal circulation. It functions as a shunt between the umbilical vein and inferior vena cava by passing the hepatic microcirculation and shunting highly oxygenated blood to the brain and myocardium. The DV has received less attention than the ductus arteriosus; however, with modern ultrasonographic imaging, the DV is easily identified and is becoming a valuable diagnostic tool in the areas of maternal-fetal medicine. We report a rare case of idiopathic dilation of the DV that was diagnosed during routine ultrasounds. The presence of blood flow turbulence within the dilated area and the concern that blood vessels might rupture resulted in elective cesarean section at 34 weeks gestation. The infant was discharged after 14 days. Dilation of the DV, its size as well as the presence of turbulence in the dilated area might be important factors in determining the time of delivery and could contribute to a better outcome.
authors.affiliation: Section of Neonatology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans 70112, USA.
authors.forename: Malektaj
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yazdani
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Searle
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chau
mesh_terms: D004106:Dilatation; D005333:Fetus / Q000098:blood supply*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal; D014680:Veins / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000196:embryology