[Massive neonatal hemorrhage of the adrenal glands]

We report the case of a three week old newborn who developed bilateral adrenal hemorrhage. This is an extraordinary case because of the late presentation of the hemorrhage as well as the excessive amount of blood involved. The newborn was the product of a normally evolved to full-term pregnancy, with a prolonged and traumatic delivery. The child had severe neonatal hypoxia and encephalopathy which required intensive care. The child was discharged in good conditions a week later. A week after that, the child is readmitted due to circulatory collapse, extreme paleness and a hemoglobin count of 3 g/dL. The newborn was treated for hypovolemic shock and improved substantially. The bilateral intraabdominal mass was detected and using an intravenous pyelography, ultrasonography and a CAT scan, a severe bilateral adrenal hemorrhage was seen. Adrenal failure was excluded and the child's care allowed for him to be discharged a week later in excellent conditions an followed as an outpatient until the hematomas subsided. This problem should be suspected in hypoxic newborns for which they should be submitted to abdominal ultrasonography before being discharged.