G. Langman et al., Absence of the ductus venosus with direct connection between the umbilicalvein and right atrium, PEDIATR D P, 4(3), 2001, pp. 298-303
Abnormalities of the ductus venosus are rare. We present the case of a dich
orionic, diamniotic twin pregnancy in which complete absence of the ductus
venosus, with direct communication between the umbilical vein and right atr
ium, was detected in one infant on antenatal ultrasonography. Autopsy confi
rmed the aberrant course. of the umbilical vein, which also had an abnormal
histological structure. Associated congenital anomalies included an ostium
secundum type atrial septal defect, absent inferior vena cava, single left
pulmonary vein, stenosed right pulmonary artery, proliferation of the hepa
tic arterioles with reduction of portal venules, and a duplex ureter. The l
iterature is reviewed and pathogenesis relevant to this case is discussed.