Pneumatosis coli, a benign form of necrotising enterocolitis.
Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is the most common acquired gastrointestinal emergency in neonates. Presence of pneumatosis intestinalis is taken as evidence of definite NEC. A distinctive but rare form of NEC called "pneumatosis coli" has been described, presenting with gross blood in stools and minimal or absent local and systemic signs. Radio-graph characteristically reveal isolated colonic pneumatosis without small bowel involvement. Pneumatosis coli has a more benign course compared with definite NEC. Total parenteral nutrition, antibiotics, an appropriate duration off feeds and close observation remain the corner stones of therapy assuring a benign course.
Department of Neonatal Pediatrics, King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women, Bagot Road, Subiaco, WA 6008, Australia. javeednt@hotmail.com
J N
JN
Travadi
S K
SK
Patole
K
K
Gardiner
D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D020345:Enterocolitis, Necrotizing / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D011006:Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011379:Prognosis