ABSTRACT
A 34-week preterm infant was evaluated for direct hyperbilirubinemia and hepatomegaly
at 2 weeks of age. Dopamine had been used in the management of hypotension in the
early neonatal period; the drug had been inappropriately infused into the right branch
of the portal vein. Ultrasonography of the abdomen at 2 weeks showed mild hepatomegaly
and a hypoechoic area in the right lobe of the liver posteriorly. Follow-up ultrasonogram
at 3 months showed the liver to be of normal size and echogenicity. Hyperbilirubinemia
was resolved by 3œ weeks. No other problems were specifically related to the hepatic
injury.
