Band 11, Heft 1

Objectives Chagas disease (CD) is caused by infection with the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi , a parasite that nests in various tissues, causing irreversible cardiac damage in 30% of patients with chronic disease and neurological or digestive lesions in 10%. CD is now found in areas receiving migrant populations where no vector-borne transmission occurs. Chagasic cardiomyopathy (CC) is the most serious complication of the chronic phase of CD and the major cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with CD. Case presentation Bolivian woman at 38 weeks of gestation was admitted at the emergency room with the diagnosis of congestive heart failure. Cesarean section was performed and maternal hypotension and uterine atony occurred. Dilated myocardiopathy with severe left ventricle dysfunction was diagnosed. The patient referred positive serology for T. cruzi and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was positive so benznidazole therapy was started. She was discharged due to progressive improvement with cardiological treatment and implantable cardioverter defibrillator was placed 5 years later for the prevention of sudden cardiac death. Conclusions The diagnosis of CC in non-endemic areas requires a high index of suspicion and it is based on serology. Antiparasitic drugs are almost 100% effective in infected newborn babies and highly effective in the treatment of patients in the acute stage of the disease. However, the efficacy of both drugs decreases the longer a person has been infected. Treatment of CC that causes chronic heart failure is similar to that in non-Chagasic etiology.

Objectives The occurrence of a uterocutaneous fistula (UCF) as an uncommon and severe complication of caesarean section (CS). The aim of this study was to describe two cases of UCFs after CS and to discuss about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Case presentation Both women few days after CS had surgical site infection, fever and elevation of lab inflammation markers. bacterial culture of the wound drainage was positive for Escherichia Coli and Enterococcus Faecalis. Conclusions Fistula between uterine and skin is a rare condition but should be considered with signs of inflammation after cesarean section; 2D/3D ultrasound evaluation appears to be useful for diagnosis of UCFs when combined with CT fistulography and MRI in order to obtain early diagnosis and, consequently, a conservative surgery.

Objectives To describe the integration of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) and rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) in the diagnosis and management of cardiac arrest secondary to amniotic fluid embolism (AFE). Case presentation A 29-year-old female presented for induction of labor at 39 weeks. Labor was complicated by hemorrhage and subsequent sinus tachycardia pulseless electrical activity (PEA) arrest. Intra-arrest POCUS demonstrated right ventricular dilation and hypokinesis adding to a presumed hemorrhagic arrest etiology. Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) was initiated at the bedside following the POCUS findings. ROTEM further clarified the etiology of hemorrhage as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and in combination with the POCUS findings led to a final diagnosis of amniotic fluid embolism with DIC. The patient was maintained on VA-ECMO without heparin in the setting of DIC. She had a complicated hospital course but was discharged home with her healthy child and no residual physical or neurologic deficits. Conclusions In the absence of more specific testing modalities the utilization of rapidly available POCUS in conjunction with ROTEM can impact clinical decision making of cardiovascular resuscitation in patients during labor and delivery by narrowing the differential between pulmonary embolism and AFE.

Objectives Intracranial hemorrhages are common events in premature infants but in fetal life those incidents are often of ominous prognosis and unknown etiology. Case presentation We present the diagnosis, evolution and management of a fetal hemorrhagic accident associated with an inherited maternal microdeletion of the chromosome 16 short arm. Abnormal neurosonography in routine second trimester ultrasound led to follow up. Fetal germinal matrix hemorrhage along with severe asymmetric ventriculomegaly and a secondary periventricular cyst developed in the early third trimester. Array CGH showed microdeletion 16p11.2. Conclusions This microdeletion had not been previously associated with fetal intracranial hemorrhage.

Objectives Bilateral renal agenesis is a rare congenital anomaly that is associated with high neonatal mortality. Bilateral renal agenesis is most often present with anhydramniosis in the mid-trimester. Case presentation We report a case of bilateral renal agenesis diagnosed prenatally. We presented the ultrasound and pathology images of this fetus with a new sonographic sign, segmental anterior deviation in the abdominal aorta. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a fetus with a segmental aortic anterior deviation.

Objectives Fetal macrosomia is a term to describe excessive fetal birth weight. Fetal macrosomia is strongly associated with adverse obstetrical outcome. Case presentation We report a rare case of excessive neonatal weight in a medically unsupervised pregnancy and give a literature review on this significant subject. A 38 year-old woman (Gravida 8 Para 7) presented herself at 42 2/7 weeks of gestation at the labor ward. The pregnancy had not been supervised medically. Labor induction was initiated. Due to failure to progress and suspicion of a disproportion of the fetal head and maternal pelvis an urgent caesarean section was performed. A morbidly macrosomic male infant was delivered (birth weight: 6,760 g [>99. percentile], length: 60 cm [>99. percentile]). Conclusions The morbidity for infants and women increases with a birth weight exceeding 4,500 g. Gestational diabetes mellitus, a high pre-pregnancy body mass index and excessive gestational weight gain have been independently associated as risk factors. The increase in pregnancies complicated by maternal obesity and gestational diabetes emphasizes the necessity of evidence-based clinical interventions to prevent or reduce these diseases. If prenatal care is not frequented by mothers-to-be there are no options open for obstetricians to detect fetal macrosomia and to intervene.

Objectives The objective of this case series is to discuss the various presentations of acute uterine inversion and to discuss how these varied presentations can cause a diagnostic confusion. Differences in acute uterine inversion following a vaginal delivery and a cesarean section are also discussed along with the management of acute uterine inversion, emphasizing the need for a rapid diagnosis and management. Case presentation Three such cases of acute uterine inversion – two after vaginal delivery (one second-degree inversion and one third degree inversion) and one during cesarean section have been discussed along with their management. Conclusions Uterine inversion is a potentially life-threatening complication which can be prevented by active and careful management of third stage of labor and avoiding cord traction prior to development of the signs of placental separation. Early stages of uterine inversion may be confused with a prolapsed fibroid or a cervical polyp. Prompt management can avert maternal mortality and morbidity.

Objectives To detect common congenital disorders in Holt-Oram syndrome. Case presentation We present a case of a 32 years old primigravida pregnant woman affected by Holt-Oram syndrome referred to our institution for second trimester routine anatomy scan. The ultrasound reported a bilateral aplasia radii, slightly curved ulna and bilateral twisted hand with four digital rays. A significant enlargement of the right atrium without tricuspid regurgitation was also detected. The patient refused the amniocentesis and the postnatal evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of Holt-Oram syndrome. Conclusions Holt-Oram syndrome is an autosomal dominant genetic condition. It is characterized by abnormalities in the bones of the upper limb and congenital heart malformation. The mutation can be inherited, but most cases result from a new mutation in patients without family history of the disorder.

Objectives To present a case of fetal hemothorax after two times of thoracoamniotic shunting (TAS) performed to pleural effusion with hydrops fetalis, resulting in non-reassuring fetal status due to hemothorax. Case presentation This is a case of bilateral pleural effusion with hydrops fetalis and polyhydramnios at 32 weeks gestation, in which unilateral fetal TAS was performed twice, resulting in non-reassuring fetal status due to hemothorax. After delivery, the infant was diagnosed with trisomy 21 and transient myeloproliferative disorder (TMD) with disseminated intravascular coagulation and congenital systemic lymphangiopathy. Conclusions In conclusion, since TAM case do not always show hemothrax, TAM is not inhibited but technical carefulness should be necessary.

Objectives Placental abruption occurs when a normally implanted placenta prematurely separates, causing rupture of decidual spiral arteries and retroplacental hemorrhage. Estimates place the incidence of placental abruption somewhere between 0.22% and 1% of all deliveries. Clinical abruption represents a spectrum from mild to the most severe form, in which blood can extravasate into or through the myometrium, the broad ligament, or the peritoneum, causing the uterus and surrounding structures to take on a blue discoloration. This phenomenon is a clinical entity known as Couvelaire uterus, so named because it was first described by French physician Alexandre Couvelaire in the early 20th century as “uteroplacental apoplexy.” Its incidence is difficult to estimate because it has classically been diagnosed only by direct intraoperative visualization. Imaging is not usually indicated in this clinical setting, so radiologic correlation with operative findings has not been previously described. Case presentation In this report, we discuss the case of a multipara who presented with abdominal pain and vaginal discharge several days after a classical cesarean delivery. Her prolonged and complex clinical course led to evaluation via several radiologic modalities. At first, a focal placenta accreta or retained products of conception were suspected, however these diagnoses did not correlate with the patient’s reported intraoperative findings of a clean endometrial cavity or with histopathology that was consistent with massive abruption. Conclusions The clinical presentation and features identified on multimodal imaging were ultimately most consistent with the patient’s intraoperative diagnosis of Couvelaire uterus.

Objectives Acute glycogenic hepatopathy (AGH) is a rare complication of poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. This is the first report in the English literature describing accurate diagnosis and management of AGH during pregnancy. Case presentation A 46 year-old gravida 4 para 2 presented at 30 weeks gestation with uncontrolled diabetes, ketoacidosis, and severe hypertension. Euglycemia and normotension were achieved within 24 h of admission but serum transaminase levels which had been normal on admission increased to a very high level over several days, and then resolved spontaneously. Conclusions AGH may occur during pregnancy and should be considered in the context of chronic poorly controlled overt diabetes, rapid normalization of maternal blood glucose levels following high dose insulin therapy, and unexplained new-onset serum transaminase levels elevation. Accurate diagnosis is important because the correct treatment is conservative management, not delivery.

Objectives Umbilical artery aneurysm, a rare structural anomaly of the umbilical cord, is frequently associated with fetal aneuploidy, fetal growth restriction and fetal demise. At present there are no definitive protocols or guidelines for the surveillance and management of this condition. Case presentation The index case is an 18-year-old primigravida who had an ultrasound at 35 weeks and 5 days gestation due to lagging symphysio-fundal height measurement. The ultrasound scan revealed a normal fetus with estimated fetal weight that was appropriate for gestational age. There was a cystic structure with internal echoes originating from the placenta at the point of the umbilical cord insertion, which was determined to be a 1.9 × 1.8 cm umbilical artery aneurysm on 3D and Doppler imaging. On follow up imaging the aneurysm had increased in size and measured 3.06 × 1.79 cm. The patient subsequently had a cesarean section delivery of a live female. Karyotyping subsequently revealed 46 XX. Conclusions A total of 15 cases of umbilical artery aneurysm have been reported in the literature to date, of which there were 5 live born infants with normal karyotype. The remaining 10 cases were intra-uterine fetal demise or trisomy 18 with subsequent neonatal deaths. When monitoring the aneurysms with ultrasound, change in size and Doppler indices play a pivotal role in helping to determine time and mode of delivery and thus allow for a favorable perinatal outcome.

Objectives Massive fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH) is a rare and difficult to diagnose event that can have catastrophic outcomes. Although many etiologies have been associated with FMH, the majority of cases are idiopathic and affect uncomplicated pregnancies. The prevailing symptom is decreased fetal movements but some cases are asymptomatic. Changes in the fetal Doppler ultrasound, a sinusoidal cardiotocographic pattern, neonatal anemia, unexplained hydrops or stillbirth can raise suspicion that such an event has occurred. Case presentation This article presents a case series of severe FMH diagnosed in our center between 2011 and 2020 as well as a review of the current available literature. Conclusions We highlight the importance of the clinician’s awareness on detecting this rare but potentially life-threatening event.

Objectives Congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT) are one of the most common sets of congenital defects. Bilateral renal agenesis is a severe presentation of the CAKUT spectrum. Case presentation We report on two families who presented with recurrent pregnancies affected with bilateral renal agenesis and negative family histories. Likely pathogenic variants in the GREB1L gene were identified in the affected pregnancies and subsequently in their asymptomatic fathers. The first familial variant was identified by a multi-gene CAKUT panel and the second by whole exome sequencing. Renal ultrasound showed the father in family 1 had asymptomatic unilateral pelvic kidney and the father in family 2 had no apparent renal anomalies. Conclusions Recent identification of genes responsible for CAKUT allows for genetic testing of affected families. Identification of the genetic etiology of CAKUT cases has multiple benefits including accurate risk assessment and reproductive options. Genetic counseling around CAKUT is challenging due to the extreme variability in presentation of the disorders.

Objectives The true incidence of anaplastic ganglioglioma during pregnancy is extremely rare, very few cases have been reported in the literature. Case presentation This is a report of a case of anaplastic ganglioglioma diagnosed in pregnancy. The patient is a 23-year-old primigravida who presented at 19 weeks of gestation headache and a convulsive episode. Her workup revealed a rare cerebral tumor that progressed to a neurological decline and died during the postpartum period. Conclusions Anaplastic ganglioglioma is an aggressive counterpart of Glial tumors; in pregnancy they are rare and symptoms are nonspecific. The outcome for the mother in this case fatal and a protocol for these cases has not yet been reported.

Objectives The ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasia clefting (EEC) syndrome is a rare genetic anomaly described as ectrodactyly (hands and feet), ectodermal dysplasia, and facial cleft with an incidence of around 1 in 90,000 in the population. This syndrome belongs to the TP63 gene’s mutation family. Ectrodactyly is described as the absence of the central toes or fingers or parts of these appendages. Ectodermal dysplasia usually includes changes in the skin, teeth, hair, nails, endocrine glands, nasolacrimal ducts, genitourinary system, conductive hearing loss. Case presentation This is a unique case of a 40-year-old second gravida, suspected of having a sporadic form of EEC syndrome. Routine transabdominal ultrasound at 14 weeks of gestation revealed malformation of the limbs. The two-dimensional and three-dimensional ultrasound at 16 weeks showed a fetus with ectrodactyly of right hand and foot and cleft palate presence. Diagnostic amniocentesis was performed at 17 weeks of gestation. A molecular genetics test using the Sanger sequencing method from amniotic fluid was performed by scanning TP63 gene sequences and revealed a heterozygous pathogenic variant in TP63. The patient decided on feticide. Conclusions The heredity of the syndrome is autosomal dominant with high variable expression. More than 300 clinical cases of this syndrome are described in the literature, including both sexes, but the actual etiology is unknown.

Objectives Pelvic actinomycotic abscess is uncommon and its presentation as a post-cesarean complication may be confused with hemorrhagic mass. It is still a disease that poses a significant diagnostic challenge. Management and prognosis are not well known for this type of infection. Case presentation A 36-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital six days after the cesarean section with abdominal pain and dysuria. The second operation was diagnosed as pelvic abscess, debridement and drainage about 250 mL abscess. Bacterial culture of abscess confirmed as Actinomyces odontolyticus infection. Intravenous penicillin was given immediately, amoxicillin was taken orally for three months after discharge, and no recurrence was found after follow-up for ten months. Conclusions Pelvic A. odontolyticus abscess may be confirmed through correct bacterial culture and cured by a short-term course of Amoxicillin. With prompt recognition and treatment, favorable outcomes of pelvic Actinomycotic abscess in the perinatal period could be achieved.

Objectives Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a potentially fatal disorder of the immune system that typically occurs in the paediatric population. Diagnosing this rare disease in the adult population is challenging, particularly during pregnancy. Case presentation We present a case of a gravid patient developing HLH at week 13 of gestation undergoing a medical termination of pregnancy at 27 weeks due to anhydramnios and associated stopped foetal growth. Conclusions Disease triggers could vary from a simple viral infection to the pregnancy as such causing the disorder. Treatment should benefit the mother and limit the foetal harm.

Objectives Autoimmune polyglandular syndromes are uncommon heterogeneous conditions characterized by the association of two or more organ-specific endocrinopathies. Very few cases of these syndromes have been described during pregnancy. Here we report a case of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type-2 presenting during pregnancy and complicated by preeclampsia with severe features. Case presentation The patient is a 35-year-old G7P0242 woman with a history of adrenal insufficiency, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. She was admitted to our institution at 34 weeks’ gestation for preterm contractions, nausea, and lower extremity edema for a few weeks prior to admission. At 35 weeks’ gestation, she developed preeclampsia with severe features requiring repeat cesarean section with good maternal and fetal outcomes. Recognizing the occurrence of this rare syndrome during pregnancy, adequate replacement of the deficient hormones, and close maternal and fetal surveillance are essential to achieving favorable outcomes. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a pregnant woman with autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type-2 complicated by preeclampsia with severe features.

Objectives Müllerian anomalies are associated with infertility and worse pregnancy outcomes. Case presentation A 34-years-old primigravida patient affected by didelphys uterus and type 2 diabetes mellitus was admitted at 36.4 weeks with intrauterine fetal death. Labor was induced with oral Mifepristone and vaginal Dinoprostone. She had an uneventful vaginal delivery. Conclusions Pre-gestational evaluation should be recommended in each woman, in order to optimize clinical conditions in case of a chronic disease; moreover, if the patient is infertile Müllerian malformations should be excluded. In a didelphys uterus, the combination of Mifepristone and Dinoprostone could be a safe option for labor induction.

Objectives Hansen’s disease (HD) often manifests during pregnancy and the postpartum. Patients with HD may experience reactions that mimic other conditions making diagnosis challenging. Case presentation We present a case of a patient from Chuuk, a state of the Federated States of Micronesia with a sepsis-like illness and worsening painful rash immediately postpartum. Antepartum, the patient noted a pruritic rash on her legs. Four hours after delivery, the patient became febrile and later developed systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). The rash rapidly spread to other areas of her body and became painful and edematous. Eight weeks after delivery, a skin biopsy revealed tuberculoid granulomatous dermatitis consistent with HD. Conclusions HD and its associated reactions are easily misdiagnosed. Performing a skin biopsy of unusual skin lesions or common skin lesions with severe illness in a pregnant patient can expedite diagnosis of rare conditions such as HD. Early initiation of treatment for HD and its reactions are critical to prevent serious nerve damage and permanent disability.

Objectives Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders are a significant cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Traditionally women with PAS are offered surgery, while expectant management is still considered investigational. Case presentation We present a case of expectant management of PAS after pregnancy loss at 19-weeks. PAS was suspected at sonography and confirmed by MRI. Patient was offered expectant management to preserve fertility. This consisted of leaving the placenta in situ , followed by in- and out-patient clinical and sonographic examinations and blood tests. After five weeks placental detachment occurred without major complications. Conclusions Our report suggests that expectant management could be a safe option in selected cases of PAS after mid-trimester pregnancy loss. We recommend expectant management should be offered in referral centers for PAS.

Objectives Fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia is a rare condition associated with fetal and neonatal morbimortality. Prevention of recurrence includes intravenous immunoglobulin. One challenge in pregnancy surveillance remains the fact that maternal intravenous immunoglobulins therapy can result in false-positive infectious markers. The goal of this case report is to highlight the possible serological misdiagnosed infection associated with intravenous immunoglobulins therapy in pregnancy, and the difficulty of management in this time of a women’s life. Case presentation We report a case of a 38-year-old pregnant woman, with a previous affected child with fetal neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia. To prevent recurrence, intravenous immunoglobulin treatment was administered in early second trimester. In the second trimester routine analysis, a positive anti-treponemal test and a toxoplasmosis seroconversion occurred. Infection suspicion based on test positivity of some infectious agents, after passive acquired antibodies, can lead to anxiety and subsequent unnecessary treatment. Conclusions Clinicians and pathologists must be aware of the possible acquisition of these antibodies during treatment and be able to counsel patients receiving intravenous immunoglobulin. Managing possible infectious intercurrences in pregnancy remains a challenge.

Objectives A significant discrepancy between a large ductus arteriosus and a smaller aorta at their connection is key to diagnose coarctation of the aorta (CoA) at 14–16 weeks of gestation. CoA was associated with persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) in 21.3% of fetuses. HDlive Flow findings for CoA or PLSVC were obtained only in the third trimester of pregnancy. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no report on the prenatal findings of CoA and PLSVC using HDlive Flow with spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) before 20 weeks of gestation. Case presentation We present the trans-abdominal HDlive Flow features of CoA and PLSVC at 14 weeks of gestation. With a three-vessel trachea view on multiplanar view using color Doppler with STIC, PLSVC on the left side of the pulmonary artery was noted, and a narrowing aortic isthmus was suspected. A narrowing isthmus was also suspected with an aortic arch view. HDlive Flow clearly showed the spatial relationships among the right superior vena cava, aorta with narrowing isthmus, pulmonary artery, and PLSVC. A preductal ‘shelf’ was also suspected. No other fetal anomaly was noted. Neonatal echocardiography after delivery confirmed CoA and PLSVC. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on HDlive Flow features of fetal CoA and PLSVC using STIC early in the second trimester of pregnancy.

Objectives To describe a rare case of methemoglobinemia in a newborn baby with excellent prognosis. Methemoglobinemia in the neonatal period is very rare and when present is usually caused by environmental toxicity from strong oxidizing agents and rarely due to enzyme deficiency or inherited disorders of hemoglobin metabolism. Case presentation We report a newborn baby presented with cyanosis and desaturation right from birth, later found to have methemoglobinemia and started medication. Genetic evaluation revealed a mutation in the gamma chain of fetal haemoglobin (HbF) causing abnormal hemoglobin. Physiologically significant mutations in gamma-globin genes cause symptoms in the fetus and neonate that gradually abate in the first few months of life. Conclusions Genetic evaluation is advisable in babies with unexplained methemoglobinemia as the prognosis of the condition depends on the underlying mutation. Early diagnosis of methemoglobinemia due to gamma chain mutation in HbF as in our case helps in reassuring the parents and also in preventing unnecessary aggressive investigations.

Objectives To describe the importance of comprehensive assessment to determine the underlying diagnosis and the role of physiological pulmonary measurements in the management of congenital bilateral eventration of the diaphragm. Case presentation A female infant born at 34 weeks gestation required intubation and ventilation at birth. Chest radiographical imaging revealed bilateral density to the bases of both lung fields with raised hemi-diaphragms. Ultrasound imaging showed focal diaphragmatic eventration with bulging of the dome of the liver into the right and left hemithoraces. Assessment of the electrical activity of the diaphragm during a spontaneous breathing trial demonstrated a mean amplitude consistent with that of ventilated infants of the same gestational age with intact diaphragms. Hence she was extubated which was successful. Chest radiographic thoracic area measured post extubation was 1,654 mm 2 , equivalent to that of a term infant with severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia. As the electrical activity of the diaphragm was normal this suggests replacement of the diaphragmatic muscle tissue with fibrous bands was likely to be only partial, and hence why extubation was successful. She had other abnormalities presenting in the neonatal period including dermal melancytosis, central hypotonia, hyperinsulinism and poor feeding. The infant underwent extensive investigation which revealed a KMT2D gene mutation associated with Kabuki syndrome. Conclusions Physiological pulmonary measurements may add clinical management in bilateratal diaphragmatic eventration.

Objectives Hamartomas are non-neoplastic developmental anomalies, mostly congenital, characterized by uncontrolled, disorganized proliferation of local endogenous tissue, which can normally be found at the site of origin and are very often mesodermally derived. It is well known that hamartoma can be associated with congenital midline cervical cleft and therefore cause a variety of symptoms. In general, they are benign and indolent, but they can be the cause of complex morbidity if they are localized within specific regions, such as the head and neck, which represent highly sensitive and vulnerable areas. Case presentation The reported case is unusual because of the presence of a congenital mesenchymal hamartoma along with the median cervical cleft, in a 1-day-old neonate, without the presence of any respiratory symptoms or associated congenital features. Although extremely rare, hamartomas should be included in the differential diagnosis of congenital neck masses, with emphasis on diagnostic approach, to avoid overly aggressive treatment and possible complications, such as infection, further mass growth, malignant transformation and compression of the adjacent neck structures. Conclusions Appropriate and timely treatment of the hamartoma of the neck in neonates, with further follow-up is necessary to avoid an overly aggressive treatment and to distinguish benign from malignant lesions, which is necessary for successful curative outcome.

Objectives With the increased survival of preterm neonates, thromboembolic (TE) events are increasingly being recognized due to the use of indwelling catheters. It is still debatable to treat TE with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) or follow expectant management. Despite the safety and efficacy profile about using LMWH in adults, its use in extreme preterm neonates with TE events is limited. The therapeutic level and pharmacokinetics of LMWH in the preterm population are relatively variable. Case presentation We present a case with a severe hematoma on the left thigh following the use of LMWH, which was surgically drained and had a successful skin graft. Conclusions This case highlights the importance of early and close monitoring of injection sites in patients treated with LMWH.

Objectives Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) is a single-stranded RNA included in the “Human Enterovirus B” category associated with multiple, even severe, health issues in humans. Newborns are at risk of life-threatening conditions due to enteroviral infections. In newborns, the infection can be transmitted vertically, intrapartum or postpartum, and potentially through breast milk. Neonatal sepsis may result in severe complications, such as liver failure and pulmonary hemorrhage, with subsequent death. Case presentation A male newborn was admitted to the emergency department with fever, generalized hypotonia, hypo-reactivity to external stimuli, multiple episodes of apnea and desaturation, and metabolic acidosis. Laboratory studies revealed disseminated intravascular coagulation, and evidence of progressive multiorgan failure. Polymerase chain reaction performed on specimens collected at the time of admission returned positive for Enterovirus, specifically Coxsackievirus B3 VP1 gene. The patient eventually succumbed after several days due to severe sepsis, despite aggressive treatment with immunoglobulins and Pleconaril. An autopsy revealed hemorrhage in the lung, liver, heart, and gastric mucosa. Conclusions Enteroviral neonatal infections should be included in the differential diagnosis of a newborn presenting with fever, failure to thrive, and hyporeactivity, especially if symptoms arise during the classic CVB3 season. Maternal medical history should be reviewed for any possible febrile symptoms associated with a recent enterovirus infection. Aggressive treatment with immunoglobulins and, if available, Pleconaril could effectively treat the infection.

Objectives Pearson syndrome is a mitochondrial cytopathy with multisystemic involvement that typically presents in infancy and has poor prognosis. We aim to present a case that is distinct due to the timing of presentation and associated anomalies. Case presentation We report the case of preterm monochorionic twins with transfusion dependent fetal anemia that had post-natal multisystem dysfunction which led to the diagnosis of Pearson syndrome. Conclusions This case highlights the possibility of antenatal presentation of Pearson syndrome, which should be considered in cases of severe fetal anemia without an apparent cause.