Abstract

AMPUERO E, Juan; BERNAOLA, Guillermo; ARBULU, Julio  and  SALAS, Erick. Abernethy malformation: unusual cause of central cyanosis in pediatrics. Rev. gastroenterol. Perú [online]. 2018, vol.38, n.2, pp.183-186. ISSN 1022-5129.

The congenital portosystemic shunt is an uncommon disease with severe complications if not treated. This rare cause of hypoxemia was first described by John Abernethy in 1973. There are two types: type I (termino-lateral shunt), in which there is total absence of the intrahepatic portal flow, and type II (latero-lateral shunt), in which the portal flow is partially preserved. We present the case of a 6-year-old girl with chronic hypoxemia history since 4 and a half years of age, showing progressive dyspnea, who was referred to the Pediatric Pulmonary Division with the diagnosis of central cyanosis. An Echo-Doppler in the portal venous system was performed, reporting agenesis of the principal portal vein. This finding was corroborated by an angiography of the portal and mesenteric arteriovenous system. The study was completed with a portosplenography, which confirmed the diagnosis of type Ib Abernethy malformation. The type I Abernethy malformation is more common in females, shows up in different ways and is treated with liver transplantation. On the other hand, type II Abernethy malformation shows a variable portal circulation and has a better prognosis than type I. Dyspnea when exercising and central cyanosis should be considered to make a differential diagnosis of cardiorespiratory disease at a pediatric age.

Keywords : Agenesis; Portal vein; Child.

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