Fetal Extrahepatic Portosystemic Venous Shunts: Prenatal Diagnosis Management and Therapy - 21 Years of Evolving Insights.

Introduction: Fetal extrahepatic portosystemic venous shunt (FEPSVS) is vascular malformations that divert placental and bowel blood from the liver into the systemic circulation. When uncorrected, it can lead to severe pathologic consequences after birth. In this study, we aim to report our method of prenatal diagnosis, the developing insight regarding prenatal counseling, and postnatal treatment.

Methods: Retrospective review of fetuses diagnosed with FEPSVS, classified into Abernethy type I or II based on the absence or existence of intrahepatic portal venous system (IHPVS) flow. Two different counseling periods were compared regarding pregnancy management and postnatal outcome.

Results: In the first period (2000-2010), 5 cases were diagnosed; 4 were type I with an 80% termination rate. In the second period (2011-2021), 6 cases were diagnosed; with only a 16% termination rate in type I cases. Two type II cases were reclassified to type I postnatally and corrected successfully. Of the 6 born alive, 5 had early surgical/endovascular corrections, and 1 experienced spontaneous closure. All the cases resulted in a successful rescue of the IHPVS with good outcomes.

Conclusion: During our developing insights we realized that: (1) the adult classification according to the IHPSVS is not relevant for prenatal prognostic counseling; (2) prenatal diagnosis of FEPSVS is essential in promoting early postnatal investigation and corrective intervention, which might prevent the appearance of postnatal complications.