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Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

This baby was born premature at 27 weeks. He is now 2 months old (35 weeks corrected) and presents with abdominal distension.

Patient Data

Age: 2 months
Gender: Male

Abdominal xrays.

x-ray

The bowel is distended, and a bubbly appearance to the bowel wall is in keeping with mural gas. 

Case Discussion

Necrotizing enterocolitis typically occurs in premature infants, although in most cases it is seen within 10 days of birth. 

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