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Updated: May 22, 2026
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Transcutaneous Microcirculatory Imaging in Preterm Neonates
Published on: December 31, 2015
Mid-aortic syndrome in two preterm infants
1Division of Neonatology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
Abstract:
We report mid-aortic syndrome (MAC) in two preterm infants. Both infants developed malignant hypertension refractory to medical therapy and died early in infancy. Thus far, this account is of the two youngest patients with MAC.
Insights
Mid-aortic syndrome (MAC) is a rare condition causing severe hypertension in infants. This report details two premature infants with MAC who unfortunately died early due to treatment-resistant hypertension.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Neonatology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Mid-aortic syndrome (MAC) is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by narrowing of the mid-thoracic or abdominal aorta.
- It often presents with severe, difficult-to-manage hypertension, particularly in neonates and infants.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for improving outcomes, though challenges remain.
Observation:
- This report describes two preterm infants diagnosed with mid-aortic syndrome (MAC).
- Both infants presented with malignant hypertension that was refractory to all medical management.
- These cases represent the youngest patients with MAC reported to date.
Findings:
- The two preterm infants with mid-aortic syndrome (MAC) experienced severe, uncontrolled hypertension.
- Despite aggressive medical therapy, both infants succumbed to the condition early in infancy.
- This highlights the critical and often fatal nature of MAC in extremely premature neonates.
Implications:
- The findings underscore the severe prognosis of mid-aortic syndrome (MAC) in very young, preterm infants.
- There is an urgent need for improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for MAC in neonates.
- Further research into the pathophysiology and management of MAC is essential to improve survival rates.
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