Bladder Distention as a Cause of Inferior Vena Caval Obstruction in the Newborn: Demonstration with Ultrasonography

Keith J. Gallaher; George Gross

doi:10.1055/s-2007-999631

American Journal of Perinatology, Table of Contents

Am J Perinatol 1989; 6(4): 424-426
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-999631

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Bladder Distention as a Cause of Inferior Vena Caval Obstruction in the Newborn: Demonstration with Ultrasonography

Keith J. Gallaher, George Gross

Department of Pediatrics, Division of Newborn Medicine, and Department of Radiology, The Milton S Hershey Medical Center, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania

Abstract

ABSTRACT

We report an unusual case of inferior vena caval (IVC) obstruction secondary to a tensely distended urinary bladder in an asphyxiated newborn. The use of portable realtime ultrasonography gave a reliable diagnosis of the correct etiology and ruled out more ominous possibilities, such as IVC thrombosis. This case presentation provides an interesting addition to the differential diagnosis of IVC obstruction, and once again emphasizes the valuable role of bedside ultrasonography in the neonatal intensive care unit.

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