ABSTRACT
We report on two siblings who presented prenatally with a ductus venosus (DV) that was abnormally located between the middle hepatic vein (mHV) and the proximal inferior vena cava (IVC), and with hepatomegaly. The first case presented with polyhydramnios at 33 weeks and therapeutic amniocentesis resulted in premature delivery soon after admission. The neonate died 19 days later and autopsy revealed congenital cholangiodysplasia. The second fetus presented for routine screening at 19 weeks of gestation and was found to have similar abnormalities of the venous system, suggesting the same origin of disease. Termination of pregnancy was performed and autopsy revealed congenital cholangiodysplasia. Our observations suggest that an abnormal umbilical-portal-hepatic venous system may be associated with a congenital malformation of the liver.
Subject(s)
Bile Ducts/abnormalities , Hepatic Veins/diagnostic imaging , Portal Vein/diagnostic imaging , Ultrasonography, Prenatal/methods , Umbilical Veins/diagnostic imaging , Adult , Female , Hepatic Veins/abnormalities , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Liver/abnormalities , Portal Vein/abnormalities , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Trimester, First , Pregnancy Trimester, Third , Umbilical Veins/abnormalitiesABSTRACT
In some cases the pulmonary ligament extends caudally to the diaphragm, where it blends with the parietal pleura. This anatomical variant is named the pulmodiafragmal ligament. In chest X-ray it gives rise to spikes and unsharp areas in the central part of the diaphragm in the lateral view. The article describes the pulmodiafragmal ligament and its significance by the interpretation of chest X-ray in normal and pathologic states.
