Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of multiple focal nodular hyperplasias of the liver with congenital absence of the portal vein in a Chinese girl: case report and review of the literature

Eur J Med Res. 2014 Nov 26;19(1):63. doi: 10.1186/s40001-014-0063-7.

Abstract

Background: Patients with congenital absence of the portal vein (CAPV) often suffer from additional medical complications such as hepatic tumors and cardiac malformations.

Case presentation: Congenital absence of the portal vein (CAPV) is a rare malformation. We present a case of a 16-year-old Chinese girl with CAPV with multiple pathology-proven hepatic focal nodular hyperplasias (FNHs) and ventricular septal defect (VSD). The CT and MRI features of this case are described, and previously reported cases are reviewed.

Conclusions: CAPV is a rare congenital anomaly and in such patients, clarifying the site of portosystemic shunts, liver disease, and other anomalies is critical for appropriate treatment selection and accurate prognosis determination. Close follow-up, including laboratory testing and radiologic imaging, is recommended for all CAPV patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Focal Nodular Hyperplasia / diagnosis
  • Focal Nodular Hyperplasia / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / blood supply*
  • Liver Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Multimodal Imaging
  • Portal Vein / abnormalities*
  • Portal Vein / surgery*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed* / methods