Bilateral lower extremity ischemia due to a retained umbilical artery catheter in a preterm neonate

Abstract

The use of umbilical artery catheters is common in Neonatal Intensive Care Units, especially in low and very low birth weight neonates. Rarely, these can break or fracture, leading to a retained fragment, which can embolize or cause thrombosis. We present a case of a very low birth weight, premature neonate, 940 grams, with a retained umbilical artery catheter that led to bilateral lower extremity ischemia. A laparotomy with aortotomy was performed for retrieval of the catheter. Chronic occlusion of the aorta with collateralization is a long-term complication associated with this case. Keywords: Umbilical artery catheter, Catheter fracture, Ischemia