A neonate with spontaneous arterial limb ischemia and an aneurysm of the oval foramen: a case report.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

In this case report, we describe a very rare case of severe limb ischemia due to an arterial embolus caused by an aneurysm of the oval foramen in a term-born infant that occurred in the first few hours after birth.

CASE PRESENTATION:

A newborn male Caucasian patient presented on the maternity ward with ischemia of the right foot. Ischemia was treated with nitroglycerin spray and low-molecular-weight heparin in therapeutic dosage. An aneurysm of the oval foramen was found during postnatal echocardiography screening. This was thought to be the source of an embolus causing limb ischemia. At birth and upon follow-up, no clotting disorders were found. A large part of the right forefoot was ischemic, leading to loss of digits 1, 2, and 3. No significant loss of function was found in the first year of life.

CONCLUSION:

Severe limb ischemia can be caused by an embolus arising from an aneurysm of the oval foramen and can be treated with heparin.

• Authors: J J van Vonderen, J M H Keus, J van Schaik, F J Smiers, D J Ten Harkel, E Lopriore
• Journal: Journal of medical case reports (J Med Case Rep) Vol. 15 Issue 1 Pg. 536 (Oct 25 2021) ISSN: 1752-1947 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 34696819 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2021. The Author(s).

Chemical References

• Heparin

Topics

• Aneurysm (complications, diagnostic imaging)
• Arterial Occlusive Diseases
• Female
• Foramen Ovale
• Heparin (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Infant, Newborn
• Ischemia (diagnostic imaging, etiology)
• Male
• Pregnancy