Agenesis of Ductus Venosus: A Case Series

Abstract

Ductus venosus agenesis is a rare anomaly which is significantly associated with cardiac, extracardiac and chromosomal anomalies. The prognosis depends on its association with other congenital abnormalities independent of the type of shunt. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ductus venosus in 2nd trimester scans and to evaluate associated congenital malformations associated with agenesis of the ductus venosus and its feto-neonatal outcome. We performed a retrospective study for a 5 year period from November 2015 to November 2019. Of the 8 cases seen, 2 (25%) had an intrahepatic shunt and 6 (75%) presented with extrahepatic umbilical venous drainage. Agenesis of ductus venosus was associated in 5 cases (62%) with cardiac abnormalities, 6 cases (75%) with extracardiac anomalies and 3 (37%) cases with chromosomal abnormality. Our study showed poorer outcome in fetuses associated with both cardiac and extracardiac anomalies accounting for 75% of all cases whereas intrahepatic type with mild cardiomegaly had favourable pregnancy outcome. Agenesis of ductus venosus is significantly associated with fetal cardiac and extracardiac abnormalities independent of the type of umbilical venous drainage. Extrahepatic umbilical venous drainage even if isolated has the significant risk of congestive heart failure, hydrops and/or intrahepatic portal venous system anomalies. The intrahepatic type has better prognosis if associated with no or minor abnormality.