Point-of-Care Ultrasound, an Unexpected Cardiac Mass in a Neonate

Pediatr Emerg Care. 2023 Jun 1;39(6):452-453. doi: 10.1097/PEC.0000000000002955. Epub 2023 May 20.

Abstract

Neonatal cardiac masses are uncommon and often not obvious based on physical examination or plain radiography. The objective of this clinical case report is to demonstrate how cardiac point-of-care ultrasound was pivotal in the clinical course of a seemingly well neonate with vague symptoms. A 6-week-old male infant presented to the emergency department with fatigue and pallor that was reported to have resolved before arrival. In the emergency department, he had a normal physical examination and stable vital signs. Cardiac point-of-care ultrasound was performed and demonstrated a mass near the mitral valve. These ultrasound findings prompted additional evaluation, cardiology consultation, admission, and subsequent diagnosis of a rhabdomyoma due to tuberous sclerosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Heart Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Point-of-Care Systems
  • Radiography
  • Tuberous Sclerosis*
  • Ultrasonography