Catheter-induced aortic thrombus masquerading as coarctation of the aorta

The placement of an umbilical artery catheter is firmly established as an essential technique in the care of ill neonates. This simple procedure involves well recognized risks. Thrombotic complications are frequently seen with umbilical artery catheter (UAC) placement. The occurrence, however, of an aortic thrombus presenting as classical aortic coarctation has not been reported previously. This report describes two infants with classical symptomatology of coarctation of the aorta who were found instead to have aortic thrombus formation in association with umbilical artery catheter placement.