A Rare Case of an Intraluminal Abscess of the Umbilical Artery as Differential Diagnosis for Omphalitis in Newborns

Abstract

Omphalitis is an infection of the umbilicus and/or the surrounding tissue. It occurs predominantly in the newborn period. Sometimes a persistent urachus can cause an abscess in the umbilical region. Intraluminal abscesses of the umbilical vessels are not commonly described as a differential diagnosis for omphalitis in newborns. Here we present a rare care case of an intraluminal abscess of the umbilical artery of a newborn. After operative exploration and incision of the abscess, further antibiotic treatment was needed until blood cultures showed no further bacterial growth.