# Lymphatic Obstruction and Edema in Neonate due to Left Subclavian Central Venous Catheter

## TL;DR

Two newborns developed severe, hard-to-treat edema possibly due to a catheter blocking lymphatic flow.

## Contribution

Highlights a rare cause of neonatal edema linked to left subclavian catheter placement.

## Key findings

- Two neonates developed treatment-resistant generalized edema.
- Edema may result from lymphatic obstruction caused by a left subclavian catheter.

## Abstract

There are several causes of generalized edema in sick neonates. We describe two newborns that developed progressive and treatment-resistant generalized edema. We suggest this is due to impaired lymphatic flow from the thoracic duct as a result of a central venous catheter in the left subclavian vein.