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Published in: Pediatric Radiology 11/2012

01-11-2012 | Original Article

Congenital arterioportal fistulas: radiological treatment and color Doppler US follow-up

Authors: Darío Teplisky, Eliana Urueña Tincani, José Lipsich, Sergio Sierre

Published in: Pediatric Radiology | Issue 11/2012

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Abstract

Background

Congenital intrahepatic arterioportal fistulas (APFs) are a rare cause of portal hypertension in children. Doppler US is a useful diagnostic imaging modality. Transarterial embolization is a minimally invasive and effective therapy allowing occlusion of the fistula and restoration of liver hemodynamics.

Objective

To describe the clinical and radiologic findings, percutaneous treatment and role of D-US in the postembolization follow-up of children with APF.

Materials and methods

Between 2002 and 2011, four children with APF were treated. Initial diagnosis and follow-up was performed with D-US and confirmed by arteriography, followed by endovascular embolization in all patients.

Results

D-US demonstrated abnormal arterioportal communications in all patients. Six endovascular procedures were performed in these four children. In two children, no residual fistula was seen on D-US after the first procedure and symptoms resolved. In the other two children, D-US demonstrated residual flow through the fistula, with resolution of pathological D-US findings and symptoms after the second endovascular procedure. All four children were successfully treated and asymptomatic at the end of follow-up. The mean follow-up was 24 months.

Conclusion

Interventional radiology has a key role in the treatment of congenital APF. D-US is a noninvasive and effective tool for the diagnosis and follow-up of these patients.
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Metadata
Title
Congenital arterioportal fistulas: radiological treatment and color Doppler US follow-up
Authors
Darío Teplisky
Eliana Urueña Tincani
José Lipsich
Sergio Sierre
Publication date
01-11-2012
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Pediatric Radiology / Issue 11/2012
Print ISSN: 0301-0449
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1998
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-012-2443-x

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