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

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.