Computed tomography angiography of a congenital extrahepatic splenocaval shunt in a foal

Abstract

Congenital portosystemic shunts in foals are rare and only a small number of cases have been described. Detailed description of the course of the shunt is lacking in earlier reports. This is the first detailed description of a computed tomography angiography (CTA) displaying an extra-hepatic splenocaval shunt. A 1-month old colt showing increasing signs of dullness, ataxia, circling, lip-smacking and coordination problems was presented. Hyperammonemia was detected and abdominal CTA revealed an extra-hepatic portocaval shunt. During surgery, ligation of the abnormal vessel could not be achieved, and the foal was euthanized because of complications during surgery. CTA provided a detailed overview of portal vasculature. If a portosystemic shunt is suspected in a foal, CTA can be used to confirm the diagnosis and for surgical planning.