Laparoscopic treatment of a patent ductus venosus and the use of indocyanine green to monitor perioperative hepatic function

Adult-onset portosystemic encephalopathy caused by patent ductus venosus successfully treated with endovascular coil embolization: a rare case report

Background

Patent ductus venosus (PDV) is a congenital shunt between the portal vein (PV) and inferior vena cava (IVC). However, there are few reports on symptomatic adult-onset PDV, and the appropriate management of this condition remains unknown. In particular, there are few reports on the use of endovascular therapy for the treatment of patients with symptomatic adult-onset PDV. However, the strategies, indications, long-term efficacy, and safety of this therapy remain poorly understood. Here we report a rare case of adult-onset PDV successfully treated via endovascular coil embolization using a retrievable IVC filter.

Case presentation

A 35-year-old man with a clinical course of progressive general fatigue and ataxia for 3 months was diagnosed with depressive personality disorder in another hospital 2 months ago and then referred to our hospital for detailed examination and further treatment. Blood test results showed hyperammonemia, indicating hepatic encephalopathy. Contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography and transarterial portography revealed a portosystemic shunt that connected the left PV to IVC. Endovascular coil embolization was successfully performed after temporary balloon occlusion testing and the placement of a retrievable IVC filter. After the procedure, ammonia levels gradually reduced, and his symptoms improved without any postoperative complications. No clinical symptoms were observed at the 6-year clinical follow up.

Conclusion

This report supports the findings of other studies and offers a less invasive therapeutic option, thereby aiding clinicians in making appropriate treatment decisions for these patients.

The Ductus Venosus

BACKGROUND

 the ductus venosus (DV) is not well known in general radiology, but it plays a role in the daily work of pediatric radiologists. Consequently all general radiologists who also care for a pediatric department should be familiar with the physiological and pathological findings related to the DV.

METHODS

Literature research in Medline, using the keywords "ductus venosus" and "umbilical vein catheter".

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

 In the first weeks of life the DV is regularly still patent. It should be recognized as DV and not be mistaken for a pathological portosystemic shunt.The ductus venosus is the lead structure for umbilical vein catheters. Radiologists should be able to assess the correct catheter position. Radiologically important findings of an umbilical vein catheter are mainly malposition and intrahepatic extravasation. Agenesis of the DV can lead to intra- or extrahepatic compensatory portosystemic shunts, in which as well as in the case of persistent patency of the DV, there may be the necessity for radiological-interventional or surgical occlusion.

KEY POINTS

  · In the first weeks of life in infants the Ductus venosus is regularly still patent.. · The Ductus venosus should not be mistaken for a pathological portosystemic shunt.. · An umbilcal vein catheter should project onto the Ductus venosus and end caudal to the right atrium.. · Intrahepatic portosystemic shunts in DV agenesis show a high rate of spontaneous closure postnatally..

CITATION FORMAT

· Born M. The Ductus Venosus. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2021; 193: 521 - 526.