Spontaneous Echocardiographic Contrast Associated with Portosystemic Shunt Due to Persistent Patent Ductus Venosus

Abstract

We describe a case of an infant with a single ventricle physiology, who presented with spontaneous microbubbles originating from her inferior vena cava. Imaging revealed a persistent patent ductus venosus, leading to a portosystemic shunt, streaming the microbubbles into the heart. We discuss the possible mechanisms for this rare phenomenon in a child. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.