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Updated: May 2, 2026

Contrast-Enhanced Subharmonic Aided Pressure Estimation SHAPE Using Ultrasound Imaging with a Focus on Identifying Portal Hypertension
Published on: December 5, 2020
Prenatal sonographic diagnosis of intrahepatic portosystemic shunts
Susanne Jerabek-Klestil1, Christine Brantner, Regina Nehoda
1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Innsbruck Medical University Hospital, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria. susanne@ordination-jerabek.at.
Abstract:
The incidence of fetal portosystemic anastomoses is unknown, and it is presumed that many cases remain undetected, as visualization of the hepatic vasculature is not part of the routine 20-week sonographic scan in pregnancy. However, portosystemic anastomoses are associated with fetal growth restriction due to a diminished oxygen supply to hepatocytes and, hence, downregulation of liver function. In these cases, uteroplacental perfusion might be normal.
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