Aneurysms of the abdominal aorta in the neonate and infant

We report a case of aneurysm of the infrarenal abdominal aorta from septic umbilical artery catheterization in a one-month old female infant. In spite of spontaneous thrombosis, the patient's course was uneventful. During the five-year follow-up period no further complications developed and operation was not required. Aneurysms of the aorta are rare in the very young and the infrarenal location is rarer. Sixteen other cases published in the literature are reviewed. Etiologic considerations and therapeutic modalities are discussed.