Ileal perforation due to arteriovenous malformation in a premature infant

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Vascular Malformations
• Neonatal Surgery

Background:

• Gastrointestinal arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are rare vascular anomalies.
• In pediatric populations, AVMs are most frequently recognized as a cause of gastrointestinal bleeding.
• The clinical presentation and complications of AVMs in neonates are not well-established.

Observation:

• A premature infant presented with a clinical scenario concerning for intestinal perforation.
• Diagnostic investigations revealed a gastrointestinal arteriovenous malformation as the underlying pathology.
• This represents a novel association between AVM and intestinal perforation in a premature infant.

Findings:

• The study describes a unique case of intestinal perforation secondary to a gastrointestinal arteriovenous malformation in a preterm neonate.
• This complication has not been previously reported in the medical literature.
• The findings highlight a potentially severe, albeit rare, presentation of pediatric AVMs.

Implications:

• This case expands the spectrum of known complications associated with pediatric gastrointestinal AVMs.
• It suggests that intestinal perforation should be considered in the differential diagnosis of preterm neonates with suspected gastrointestinal compromise and AVM.
• Further research is warranted to understand the pathophysiology and management strategies for this rare neonatal complication.