Abstract The ductus venosus plays a critical role in fetal circulation. Postnatal persistence of the ductus venosus (PDV) is associated with secondary portal vein hypoplasia and results in a porto-systemic shunt. In this extremely rare case, we present a 6-year-old male diagnosed with PDV, who had a history of elevated liver enzymes and mild hepatic dysfunction first detected at 11 months of age. Due to the presence of PDV, endovascular closure was planned. Portal venous pressure was measured as 10 mmHg both before and after balloon occlusion. Percutaneous occlusion was successfully performed using a vascular plug. Post-intervention ultrasonography confirmed complete occlusion of the ductus venosus and increased portal vein flow. During follow-up, liver function tests returned to normal; a slight elevation in transaminases persists. PDV is a rare congenital vascular anomaly that may present with a wide spectrum of clinical symptoms. While some patients may be diagnosed during early infancy due to cholestatic jaundice, hepatic dysfunction, or hyperammonaemia, others may remain asymptomatic and undiagnosed for years. Endovascular closure represents a minimally invasive treatment option. A balloon occlusion test to measure portal venous pressure is recommended before and after the procedure to evaluate the safety of shunt closure.
Bayram et al. (2026) studied this question.