Percutaneous device closure of Abernethy malformation--a treatable cause of hepatopulmonary syndrome

Abstract

An eight-year-old girl was evaluated for unexplained cyanosis. A contrast echo was suggestive of pulmonary arteriovenous fistula. Further evaluation revealed Abernethy malformation (type 2) leading to hepatopulmonary syndrome. Percutaneous device closure of Abernethy malformation was done after anatomical and physiological evaluation of the portal circulation. Prior to closure, it is important to ensure adequate portal radicals into the liver and normal portal pressure after test balloon occlusion. Subcostal echocardiography can diagnose and guide device closure of Abernethy malformation, a treatable cause of hepatopulmonary syndrome.

Keywords: Pediatric interventions; fistulas/shunts; pulmonary angiography.