Role of ductus venosus agenesis in right ventricle development

Ductus venosus agenesis (DVA) results from portal-umbilical and hepatic-systemic venous system connection failure. Despite a large series of DVA was reported, an accurate description of single fetus cardiac trend with hemodynamic consequences is missing. We describe two fetuses with DVA early detection, comparing right ventricle (RV) development in extrahepatic and intrahepatic drainages. In extrahepatic drainage, the RV was larger and slightly hypertrophic. In intrahepatic drainage, the RV showed reduced dimensions. Ventricle dimension differences decreased and became balanced in perinatal period. Detection of non-balanced ventricles in early second trimester should lead to sonographic follow-up. If DVA is hypothesized, it is important to identify other subdiaphragmatic connections that could alter cardiac preload and ventricle development.