Aorto-iliac aneurysms following umbilical artery catheterization.

Aneurysms of the aorta and its major branches are rare in the pediatric population and are usually associated with cardiovascular malformations. Recently, however, a number of children have emerged with aneurysms following umbilical artery catheterization (UAC). In the last 8 years, two such patients have presented at the Medical College of Virginia. These are reported in detail and compared with 18 others found in the literature (12 thoracic, 4 abdominal, 2 iliac). Several conclusions follow from the study of this group of 20 children: The history of umbilical artery catheterization in the presence of bacteremia, especially staphylococcal, is a prime risk factor in the development of aneurysms (90%, P less than .01). In addition, there was a concordance between the location of the catheter tip and the site of future aneurysm formation (P less than .05). UAC associated aneurysms are difficult to diagnose because of their rarity and have often been mistaken for tumors. The diagnosis should be suspected in the workup of a tumor in a child with an appropriate history. Though these aneurysms are probably mycotic, pus has not been encountered at surgery and there have been no reported graft infections. Patients with S aureus bacteremia complicating UAC should be followed closely to detect aneurysm formation.