Neonatal Perforated Appendicitis Attributed to Localized Necrotizing Enterocolitis of the Appendix: A Review

Abstract

Neonatal appendicitis is a rare clinical entity associated with remarkable morbidity and mortality. Appendicular perforation is common and the diagnosis is usually made intra-operatively. The causative etiology of neonatal perforated appendicitis (NPA) is a subject of debate and has not been elucidated. Although many etiologic theories exist, increasing evidence suggests a subset of NPA cases may represent a form of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) localized to the appendix. We herein present a review of the current literature to include cases of NPA attributed to localized NEC. A high index of clinical suspicion and early laparotomy are recommended.

Keywords: Neonatal perforated appendicitis; localized NEC.; necrotizing enterocolitis; neonatal appendicitis.

Figure 1: Patient characteristics from literature review

Table 1: Reported cases of neonatal perforated appendicitis with necrotizing enterocolitis as an underlying etiology