Portal vein thrombosis in a 10-month-old infant as a complication of neonatal umbilical catheterization: a case report

INTRODUCTION: Esophageal varices bleeding after portal hypertension is a rare condition in children but is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Neonatal umbilical catheterization is one of the risk factors for the development of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and portal hypertension. CASE PRESENTATION: Neonatal umbilical catheterization was used here to provide appropriate treatment for postpartum sepsis. Color Doppler revealed an approximate total obstruction of the portal vein, and endoscopy showed esophageal varices. The patient was sequentially managed with endoscopic sclerotherapy. DISCUSSION: The manifestations associated with PVT (like splenomegaly and bleeding esophageal varices) have been detected in a 10-month-old, which is considered a relatively young age according to the medical literature review. CONCLUSION: Using umbilical vein catheterization in neonates may be associated with several complications, including PVT. This case report describes a rare instance of portal hypertension complicated by bleeding esophageal varices in a 10-month-old infant who had undergone newborn umbilical catheterization.