title: Brachial thrombosis in a premature neonate. A case report.
abstract: Arterial injuries in infants are rare and in most cases are of iatrogenic origin as a consequence of catheterization, venipuncture or arterial blood sampling. These lesions require an accurate, noninvasive clinical diagnosis and prompt exploration and reconstruction using microvascular techniques to restore perfusion and to avoid morbidity and even mortality. We present a 3-day-old infant with a brachial artery thrombosis by a white thrombus as a consequence of an unsuccessful attempt to introduce an intravascular catheter. A microvascular reconstruction was performed, with complete restoration of the blood flow. Any suspected vascular injury needs immediate clinical and diagnostic assessment in order to avoid potential life-threatening complications. Surgery is mandatory in case of extensive arterial injuries, in case of inadequate distal blood supply or in case of progressive worsening of ischemic clinical findings.
authors.affiliation: Vascular Surgery and Organ Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Transplantation and Advanced technologies, University Hospital of Catania, Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Alessia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Giaquinta
authors.forename: Massimiliano
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Veroux
authors.forename: Carla
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Virgilio
authors.forename: Matteo Angelo
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Cannizzaro
authors.forename: Domenico
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Zerbo
authors.forename: Alessandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Leonardi
authors.forename: Pierfrancesco
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Veroux
mesh_terms: D001916:Brachial Artery / Q000293:injuries*; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology*