Adrenal haemorrhage is a potentially life-threatening condition rarely present in the neonatal period. The large size and increased vascularity of the average infant adrenal gland increase the bleeding tendency. Predisposing factors may include macrosomia, birth asphyxia, perinatal injuries, septicemia, and coagulopathy. It can also occur without obvious risk factors. The most common findings are poor feeding, vomiting, persistent jaundice, anaemia, and abdominal mass. However, the event may be asymptomatic and be detected incidentally. Ultrasound imaging is the cornerstone of diagnosis and follow-up monitoring. Herein, we report an unusual case of a male newborn with an adrenal haemorrhage associated with hypertension. The lesion was detected by ultrasound as an echogenic cystic mass at the right suprarenal area. The mass was initially mimicking neuroblastoma. Nevertheless, the normal levels of urine catecholamine metabolites and the regression of the mass size verified the diagnosis. The infant was managed conservatively, and the mass completely resolved without calcification or adrenal insufficiency.
Key words: adrenal hemorrhage, neonatal hypertension, neuroblastoma, suprarenal mass, adrenal calcification
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