Surveillance for liver complications after the Fontan procedure

Congenit Heart Dis. 2017 Mar;12(2):124-132. doi: 10.1111/chd.12446. Epub 2017 Jan 31.

Abstract

The physiological consequences of the Fontan circulation impose risk for hepatic dysfunction and may culminate in hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Consensus regarding appropriate surveillance modalities to diagnose liver disease in Fontan patients is lacking, in part due to the relative lack of strong evidence and prospective studies in this patient population. The goal of this paper is to critically review the current evidence and provide recommendations for the surveillance of hepatic complications in the post-Fontan patient population.

Keywords: Fontan; cirrhosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / etiology*
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / physiopathology
  • Fontan Procedure / adverse effects*
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / diagnosis
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / physiopathology
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Liver Cirrhosis / diagnosis
  • Liver Cirrhosis / etiology*
  • Liver Cirrhosis / physiopathology
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Liver Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Liver Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Risk Factors
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome