A newborn liver mass that never existed: a somber reminder of embryonic ties between umbilical vein and portal venous system

newborn liver mass that never existed: a somber reminder of embryonic ties between umbilical vein and portal venous system Short Report (1408) Total Article Views Authors: Haafiz A, Williams JL, Andres JM, Novak DA Published Date December 2011 Volume 2011:3 Pages 107 - 108 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/HMER.S18195 Allah Haafiz1, Jonathan L Williams2, Joel M Andres1, Don A Novak1 1Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology; 2Department of Pediatric Radiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA Abstract: A 6-day-old, known to have transposition of the great vessels, received care in the neonatal intensive care unit at a tertiary care center. A computed tomography scan was performed for abdominal distention and upper gastrointestinal bleeding, which revealed a “mass lesion” in the left liver lobe. Analysis of antecedent events and the clinical and laboratory course uncovered an iatrogenic etiology and pathogenesis of the lesion. As the nature of the lesion was clarified, no specific therapy was required. This case is presented to show a serious yet preventable complication of a commonly performed procedure.