The congenital intrahepatic arterioportal fistula syndrome: elucidation and proposed classification

Abstract

Congenital intrahepatic arterioportal fistula is a rare but treatable cause of portal hypertension for which early recognition may lead to successful radiological management. We report an infant presenting with severe failure to thrive, melena and splenomegaly due to a congenital intrahepatic arterioportal fistula, successfully ablated after multiple trials of superselective transarterial embolization. Comprehensive review of congenital cases provides an understanding of the key clinical features defining this syndrome. A classification system is proposed, upon which treatment decisions may be based.