Rare cause of emergency in the first week of life: congenital hepatoblastoma (case report). Issue 2 (24th February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yoo, Gloria Ha Young; Mugarab-Samedi, Veronica; Hansen, Gregory; Miller, Grant; Givelichian, Laurence; Kalaniti, Kaarthigeyan; Daspal, Sibasis
• Is Part Of: Oxford medical case reports. Volume 2020:Issue 2(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-02-24
• Subjects: Clinical medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 616.09
• DOI: 10.1093/omcr/omaa002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2053-8855

Abstract

Abstract: During the first week of life, a sudden deterioration in a newborn commonly includes investigations to rule out infections, lung pathologies, cardiac lesions, neurological insults, metabolic disorders or gastrointestinal emergencies. It is unusual, however, to consider malignancy as the primary causative factor. In this case report, we describe a rare and unusual presentation of congenital hepatoblastoma, its complications and management in a neonate with multi-organ dysfunction. A term infant presented with sudden deterioration, hemodynamic instability and an acute abdomen on his 4th day of life. Surgical exploration revealed a ruptured neoplasm that pathology diagnosed as a congenital hepatoblastoma. After the patient was stabilized, chemotherapy was initiated. At present, the patient is 8 months old and under continuous follow-up of oncology service. This case highlights the importance of considering rare diagnoses including congenital malignancy when investigating and managing a sick newborn with multi-organ dysfunction.