Abernethy malformation or congenital agenesis of the portal vein (CAPV) is a rare malformation of the abdominal splanchnic venous system. This malformation is commonly found in children and is often associated with other malformations such as congenital cardiac anomalies and skeletal system disorders, as well as liver tumors. There are two types of Abernethy malformation. In type I, portal blood bypasses the liver completely, with the superior mesenteric vein and the splenic vein draining into the inferior vena cava separately (type Ia), or together (type Ib). There are no intrahepatic portal vein branches in the liver. Type II is a partial portocaval shunt in which portal blood partially supplies the liver. There is no unified therapeutic approach for all patients with Abernethy malformation, however, liver transplantation is recommended in patients with liver disease (encephalopathy, poor liver function) and those with liver tumors. In this case report we present a case of Abernethy type Ib malformation in a 17-year-old patient with chronic malaise and uper abdominal pain. During diagnostic work-up, an unresectable liver tumor was found and the patient was successfully treated with orthotopic liver transplantation.
Type I congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt treated by orthotopic liver transplantation: A case report
