Introduction:

The absence of ductus venosus is an uncommon condition with a variable prognosis, which can vary from an isolated finding to causing foetal death. Furthermore, it can also be associated with other genetic anomalies and syndromes.

Material and method:

A descriptive study was conducted on 12 children with a prenatal diagnosis of absence of ductus venosus. An evaluation was made of the umbilical vein drainage site, perinatal and obstetric variables, other associated anomalies, and the outcomes.

Results:

Extra-hepatic drainage of the umbilical vein was observed in 75% (9/12) of cases, of which 44.4% (4/9) had foetal heart failure. At birth, 50% (6/12) were associated with cardiac structure anomalies, and 41.6% (5/12) required medical treatment. Genetic syndromes were detected in 25% (3/12) of cases. There were 25% (3/12) deaths (100% with heart disease), and one-third (3/9) of the survivors had cardiac structure anomalies. A history of abortion or previous intrauterine death was recorded in 50% (6/12) of the mothers, and in 25% (3/12) the pregnancies were the result of assisted reproduction, and 25% (3/12) multiple gestations.

Conclusions:

An elevated incidence of cardiac structure defects is found in children with absence of ductus venosus. They are more common if the drainage is extrahepatic, and within those, there is a higher frequency of genetic anomalies and death. A significant percentage of patients require perinatal treatment: The outcome is satisfactory in the survivors.

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