Congenital absence of the portal vein: clinical and radiologic findings

J Comput Assist Tomogr. 2002 Sep-Oct;26(5):681-6. doi: 10.1097/00004728-200209000-00003.

Abstract

Congenital absence of the portal vein (CAPV) is a rare anomaly in which the intestinal and splenic venous drainage bypasses the liver and drains into the systemic veins through various venous shunts. In patients with CAPV, the portosystemic shunting causes disruption of the enterohepatic circulation and leads to various clinical manifestations. CAPV can be diagnosed without invasive techniques. This article illustrates the clinical and radiologic findings (including ultrasound, CT, and MRI) of CAPV.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Portal Vein / abnormalities*
  • Portal Vein / pathology*