SONOGRAPHY OF THE UMBILICAL ARTERIAL CATHETER - IN A NEONATE WITH RECURRENT HYPOGLYCEMIA

Hypoglycaemia in neonates can be caused by malposition of the umbilical artery catheter (UAC). If the tip of the umbilical arterial catheter is located next to the origin of the great abdominal vessels glucose infusion is mainly directed into the coeliac trunk and superior mesenteric artery. Direct stimulation of the pancreatic gland might then result in hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia. Generally, UAC position is controlled by x-ray. When using ultrasound for location of the UAC the exact topography and especially the relation of the tip of the UAC to the great vessel lumina can be documented precisely.