Hepatic Portal Venous Gas After Blunt Abdominal Trauma In A Child

Hepatic portal venous gas is defined radiologically as tubular areas of decreased attenuation in the liver periphery. It is a rare finding and associated with numerous underlying abdominal diseases, ranging from benign causes to potentially lethal diseases. Reporting and recognition of hepatic portal venous gas have been increased due to widespread use of advanced imaging techniques. The presence of gas in the portal veins after blunt abdominal trauma is a transient incidental finding that could be resolved spontaneously. Here we report an extremely rare condition that describes a child who suffered air embolism of the portal veins secondary to blunt abdominal trauma. The condition was clinically benign and resolved spontaneously.