Successful embolization of a congenital intra-hepatic arterioportal fistula in a neonate with the MVP Microvascular Plug system (MVP-3Q)

This case report describes a neonate with an antenatally diagnosed vascular anomaly of the liver. Ultrasound at birth confirmed an arterioportal fistula communicating the left hepatic artery and an anterior branch of the right portal vein. Computer tomography angiography on day 7 of life redemonstrated the arterioportal fistula and defined the vascular anatomy for potential treatment. Transarterial embolization of the arterioportal fistula was performed at 3 weeks of life using an MVP Microvascular Plug System 3Q (Reverse Medical Corp, Irvine, CA, USA). Intra-procedural angiography showed successful occlusion of the fistula, patency of the portal vein with hepatopetal flow, and patency of the hepatic artery with no signs of arterial or venous thrombosis.

There were no intra- or post-procedure complications. Multiple follow-up ultrasounds at 1-13 months showed stable occlusion of the embolized fistula with no evidence of recanalization, with the patient having a normal life and no sequelae. This case illustrates a successful novel approach to manage the rare condition of a solitary hepatic arterioportal fistula in a neonate using the MVP system. Current literature on congenital arterioportal fistulas and the MVP system is reviewed.