Missing ductus venosus: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The ductus venosus is a short vessel, present in the newborn infant on the dorsal surface of the liver, connecting the portal and umbilical circulation with the inferior vena cava. Agenesis of the duct is a rare anomaly. CASE: A 28-year-old woman was referred to our department for the first trimester ultrasound evaluation. Detailed scanning revealed agenesis of the duct. Fetal echocardiography showed cardiac disproportion at the level of the ventricles. CONCLUSION: Agenesis of the duct can be related to either cardiac or congenital abnormalities.