Intra-abdominal haemorrhaging after cardiac catheterisation: the importance of recognising vascular anomalies in heterotaxy syndrome

Cardiol Young. 2023 Aug;33(8):1465-1467. doi: 10.1017/S1047951122004279. Epub 2023 Jan 17.

Abstract

A 2-month-old boy with a single ventricle underwent cardiac catheterisation. Inferior vena cava angiography at the end of the examination revealed local stenosis, flexion, and connection to the right hepatic vein. Six hours after catheterisation, he went into haemorrhagic shock. CT revealed contrast extravasation into the liver with ascites. A precise diagnosis of vascular anomalies is mandatory, especially in patients with heterotaxy syndrome.

Keywords: Inferior vena cava anomaly; ascites; cardiac catheterisation; liver injury.

MeSH terms

  • Angiography
  • Cardiac Catheterization
  • Hepatic Veins
  • Heterotaxy Syndrome* / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Vascular Malformations* / diagnosis
  • Vena Cava, Inferior / abnormalities
  • Vena Cava, Inferior / diagnostic imaging