Aortic Dissection in a Neonate Receiving Extracorporeal Life Support Therapy: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Neonatal Intensive Care
• Cardiovascular Surgery

Background:

• Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is vital for neonates with cardiorespiratory failure.
• Complications, including aortic dissection, can arise during ECLS therapy.
• Neonatal aortic dissection is rare, and its outcomes are not well-documented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of extensive type B aortic dissection in a neonate on ECLS.
• To discuss the conservative management of neonatal aortic dissection associated with ECLS.
• To review the literature on this rare complication.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a neonate with tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy and Wolf Parkinson White (WPW) syndrome on ECLS.
• Diagnosis of aortic dissection and abdominal organ ischemia after ECLS arterial cannula adjustment.
• Management involved rapid decannulation and conservative treatment of the aortic dissection.

Main Results:

• The neonate developed extensive type B aortic dissection and ischemic injury to abdominal organs.
• Conservative management of the aortic dissection resulted in a favorable outcome.
• The patient was successfully decannulated from ECLS.

Conclusions:

• Neonatal aortic dissection is a rare but serious complication of ECLS.
• Conservative management can be successful even in cases with associated organ injury.
• This case highlights the importance of vigilant monitoring and tailored management strategies for ECLS-related complications.