Multifocal lymphangioendotheliomatosis with thrombocytopenia: a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding in the newborn period

Abstract

Severe gastrointestinal bleeding in the newborn period is a serious but uncommon phenomenon that has a broad differential diagnosis. In the following case report we describe a rare phenomenon in which a newborn presents with severe hematemesis, hematochezia, and thrombocytopenia that are resistant to repeated platelet and packed red blood cell transfusions. Previous cases have been reported, but none of the patients described presented within the first 8 days of life. The early age of presentation and refractory nature of this disease entity to multiple therapies make it a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma for all physicians involved in the care of newborns.