Neonatal aortic thrombosis is a rare life-threatening condition that can affect neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
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Epidemiology
The incidence of neonatal aortic thrombosis is 0.2% of neonates admitted to the NICU.
Risk factors
- umbilical arterial catheters (UAC): ~80% of cases
- prematurity
- dehydration
- sepsis
- coagulopathy
- maternal diabetes
Clinical presentation
The clinical presentation varies according to the level of involvement of the aorta. It may present with renal impairment, hypertension, intestinal hypoperfusion and/or limb ischemia.
Radiographic features
Ultrasound
The combined use of B-mode and color flow Doppler techniques can provide a noninvasive diagnostic tool to assess the abdominal aorta and its branches for patency and determine the presence of thrombus within the lumen. It can also evaluate abdominal organs such as kidneys and bowels for ischemic changes.
CT
Can be used to evaluate the extension of the aortic thrombosis and assess the involvement of the thoracic aorta as well.
Treatment and prognosis
Treatment options can include anticoagulation, thrombolysis or surgical thrombectomy.
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