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Am J Perinatol 2008; 25(5): 291-293
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1076606
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Diagnosing Intestinal Perforation: A New Approach

Daniele Ottinger1 , Jonathan R. Swanson1
  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of Virginia Children's Hospital, Charlottesville, Virginia
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Publication History

Publication Date:
24 April 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Spontaneous intestinal perforation has been shown to be a significant morbidity in the extremely low birthweight neonate. Occult spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP), without pneumoperitoneum on abdominal radiograph, typically occurs in neonates > 2 weeks of age and is usually diagnosed by visualization of particulate matter seen on an abdominal ultrasound. We present a case of a 25-week growth-restricted neonate at 12 days of life who was diagnosed with occult SIP by a novel mechanism.

KEYWORDS

Bowel perforation - transillumination - pneumoperitoneum - neonate

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Jonathan R SwansonM.D. 

Box 800386, University of Virginia Children's Hospital

Charlottesville, VA 22901