Gastric pneumatosis in neonates: revisited

J Paediatr Child Health. 2003 Sep-Oct;39(7):560-2. doi: 10.1046/j.1440-1754.2003.00220.x.

Abstract

Pneumatosis intestinalis, found commonly in neonatal necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), can occur in any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the oesophagus to the rectum. Gastric pneumatosis, defined as air within the wall of the stomach, however, is an extremely rare sign during infancy and is usually secondary to gastric outlet obstruction. The clinical course and outcome of a neonate with gastric pneumatosis associated with NEC is reported along with a brief review of the literature. The findings illustrate that gastric pneumatosis can be the presenting feature of fulminant NEC and may indicate widespread, severe gastrointestinal insult.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Enterocolitis, Necrotizing / complications*
  • Enterocolitis, Necrotizing / surgery
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature*
  • Male
  • Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis / complications*
  • Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis / diagnostic imaging
  • Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis / surgery
  • Radiography
  • Stomach Diseases / complications*
  • Stomach Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Stomach Diseases / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome