[Abnormalities of umbilical-portal circulation: From screening to diagnosis]

Abstract

Abnormalities of umbilical-portal circulation are rare pathologies whose detection points in screening ultrasound are poorly taught. It can present as an unusual looking portal sinus, an abnormal trajectory of the umbilical vein, an anechoic intrahepatic image or more rarely as cardiomegaly. This can also be detected in the context of investigations of fetus with intrauterine growth retardation. Subsequently, the starting point of the diagnostic approach is based on the following dichotomy: does the umbilical vein penetrate or not into the liver, followed by systematic analysis of the trajectory and size of the umbilical-portosystemic vessels with color Doppler. Determining the prognosis of this abnormality, which varies according to the type, is a major challenge and by further studying this disorder in this project, it will help define what surveillance is required and subsequently help decide the most appropriate place for delivery.

Keywords: Agénésie du ductus venosus; Circulation ombilico-portale; Depistage; Ductus venosus agenesis; Fistule; Screening; Shunt; Ultrasound; Umbilical vein; Umbilical-portal circulation; Veine ombilicale; Échographie.