Gastric pneumatosis in the preterm neonate: incidental finding or NEC spectrum

Rajib Bora; Nitin Jain

doi:10.18203/2349-2902.isj20253470

Authors

Rajib Bora Department of Pediatric Surgery, Amrita School of Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Faridabad, Haryana, India
Nitin Jain Department of Pediatric Surgery, Amrita School of Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Faridabad, Haryana, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-2902.isj20253470

Keywords:

Gastric pneumatosis, Gastric emphysema, Necrotizing enterocolitis, Neonate, Non-invasive mechanical ventilation, Preterm

Abstract

Gastric pneumatosis is a condition defined as air within the wall of the stomach, however, is an extremely rare sign during neonatal period. Due to an association of this entity with Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) which is a fulminant condition with high morbidity and mortality in neonates, finding gastric pneumatosis especially in a premature neonate should alert the clinician. Other causes have also been identified like gastric outlet obstruction or displaced nasogastric or orogastric tube in stomach wall. This entity should not be confused with free air in abdomen and can be managed conservatively. We herein present a case of a premature neonate with a finding of gastric pneumatosis and culture-proven sepsis who was managed conservatively.

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