Published online Sep 6, 2020. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v8.i17.3804
Peer-review started: May 14, 2020
First decision: July 25, 2020
Revised: July 29, 2020
Accepted: August 14, 2020
Article in press: August 14, 2020
Published online: September 6, 2020
Processing time: 112 Days and 14.3 Hours
Hepatic portal venous gas in infants is frequently due to late presentation of necrotizing enterocolitis which is considered a relative indicator for surgical intervention.
A preterm baby underwent an umbilical catheter placement and discovered in abdominal radiograph to have air in the portal venous system due to malpositioning of the umbilical catheter.
Hepatic portal venous gas in infants without signs of necrotizing enterocolitis could result from malposition of umbilical venous catheter, and in that case, should be managed medically, with no need for surgical intervention.
Core tip: This is a case report of a rare case of a preterm baby with air in the portal venous system due to malpositioning of an umbilical catheter rather than necrotizing enterocolitis. Air in the portal venous system is very important in neonates, as it represents a late sign of necrotizing enterocolitis, and it is considered a relative indicator for surgical intervention. The aim of this case report is to deliver a massage to pediatric surgeons and neonatologists to be aware of this finding and not to rush for surgical intervention.