Complete thrombotic obliteration of the ascending aorta and the aortic arch as a cause of acute heart failure in a newborn

Thrombosis of the great vessels, and especially of the aorta, is rare in neonates. We report a case with thrombosis of the ascending aorta, aortic arch, brachiocephalic trunk and subclavian artery. Clinically, severe heart failure occurred on the 1st day of life and the diagnosis was confirmed by echocardiography and cardiac catheterization, including angiocardiography. Left ventricular function was found to be extremely depressed. An infusion with prostaglandin E1 was initiated in order to improve the systemic circulation by dilating the arterial duct. The infant died of neurological complications prior to surgery.