ABSTRACT
Small- to moderate-sized aortic thrombi in the sick newborn are frequently demonstrated,
however, severe aortic thrombosis is rarely encountered. We report two newborn infants
presenting with signs of decreased lower limb perfusion shortly after birth. An occlusive
infrarenal aortic thrombus was demonstrated in both infants by ultrasound. No predisposing
condition for thrombosis could be found in the first infant; in the second, an umbilical
arterial catheter was the likely cause. The infants were successfully treated with
low-molecular-weight heparin. In both infants resolution of the thrombus was observed
by ultrasound. No complications of treatment were encountered. The clinical spectrum
of neonatal aortic thrombosis and treatment options are reviewed.
KEYWORD
Aortic thrombosis - neonate - low-molecular-weight heparin - treatment complications
- review