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Case Reports
. 2017 Apr 15;6(2):39.
doi: 10.21699/jns.v6i2.482. eCollection 2017 Apr-Jun.

Neonatal Perforated Appendicitis Masquerading as Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Andrew Tumen  1 , Pranit N Chotai  1   2 , John Matthew Williams  1 , Adrianne Myers-Webb  1 , Jie Zhang  1 , Ramesh Krishnan  1 , James W Eubanks Iii  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Neonatal Perforated Appendicitis Masquerading as Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Andrew Tumen et al. J Neonatal Surg. .

Abstract

A preterm neonate underwent emergent laparotomy for presumed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Intra-operatively, neonatal perforated appendicitis (NPA) was encountered. This may represent a form of NEC localized to the appendix. A high index of clinical suspicion and early laparotomy are recommended.

Keywords: Localized NEC; Necrotizing enterocolitis; Neonatal appendicitis; Neonatal perforated appendicitis.

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Figures

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Figure 1: A) Initial plain abdominal radiograph demonstrating pneumatosis intestinalis. B) Follow-up plain abdominal radiograph demonstrating intra-peritoneal, extra-luminal gas.
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Figure 2: A) Intra-operative picture demonstrating the perforated appendix delivered through transverse supra-umbilical skin incision. B) Pathologic exam of the appendix demonstrating mucosal necrosis with transmural acute inflammation (HE, x20), and predominant neutrophil infiltration (HE, x100).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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