Coil embolization of a patent ductus venosus in a 52-day-old girl with congenital heart disease

We present the case of 52-day-old girl with a common atrioventricular canal. Severe liver dysfunction persisted following complete repair of the cardiac defect. A patent ductus venosus appeared to be the source of the hemodynamic disturbance responsible for hepatic dysfunction. Given her critical condition, coil embolization of the ductus venosus was performed, after which the patient improved rapidly. The ductus venosus should be tested for patency when liver dysfunction persists after the corrective cardiac surgery, and coil embolization is the treatment of choice in gravely ill children.