Agenesis of the ductus venosus and fetal growth restriction: Is there a relation? A tertiary care center experience and systematic review of the literature

Abstract

An update on the antenatal diagnosis of agenesis of ductus venosus (ADV) by differentiating the various possible types of shunts, focusing on the associated fetal anomalies, and predicting neonatal outcomes. This study reviewed the experience of two tertiary referral centers and literature. An unfavorable outcome was detected in preterm fetuses (p = 0.017), fetuses with a genetic anomaly (p = 0.046) or other associated malformations (p < 0.001). 71% of ADVs with other anomalies had an extrahepatic ADV (p = 0.002). 76% of fetuses with Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR) had an extrahepatic ADV (p = 0.025). ADV may negatively influence fetal growth in cases with extrahepatic vein drainage.

Keywords: ductus venosus agenesis; prenatal diagnosis; ultrasound; umbilical veins/abnormalities; umbilical veins/diagnostic imaging.