Abernethy Malformation

EXAMS AND TESTS


Ultrasonography (ultrasound or US) with Doppler indications, computed tomography (CT scan) with use of IV contrast indications of chest, abdomen and pelvis, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and an venogram (angiogram) are used to diagnose an Abernethy malformation.

Liver enzyme test - An initial step in detecting liver damage is a simple blood test to determine the presence of certain liver enzymes in the blood.

Ammonia blood test – a routine blood test that uses blood that is drawn out of a vein. Ammonia tests can also be performed on arterial blood, but this method is much less frequently used.

Oxygen saturation test - An estimate of your oxygen saturation can be made easily and painlessly with a clip that fits on your finger.

A better test for measuring your oxygen saturation is an arterial blood gas test. For this test, a small sample of blood must be drawn directly out of an artery. Most routine blood tests use blood that is drawn out of a vein, so this test is a little different.

SYMPTOMS RESULTING FROM A SHUNT

hyperammonemia

failure to gain weight

hypoglycemia

elevated liver enzymes

seizure activity

coagulopathy

regenerative liver nodules