Characterization and natural history of congenital intrahepatic portosystemic shunts

Conclusions: Our study suggests that congenital intrahepatic portosystemic shunt is a benign, self-limiting condition in which no correlation between the size of the shunt and the blood ammonia level to the outcome of the shunt was found. This is the first study that correlated radiological measures to the outcome. These results suggest that the treating physician should reassure families and conduct minimal follow-up and interventions in children with such conditions. Further, larger and prospective studies should be done to corroborate these conclusions.What is Known:•Characteristics and natural history of intrahepatic portosystemic shunts are less defined.•The natural course of the intrahepatic malformations varies, but spontaneous, self-resolution of small shunts, usually occures  within 1 to 2 years.What is New:•In this study, congenital intrahepatic portosystemic shunt was shown to be benign, self-limiting condition in which all shunts closed within 3 months.•No correlation between the size of the shunt and the blood ammonia level to the outcome of the shunt was found.
Source: European Journal of Pediatrics - Category: Pediatrics Source Type: research