J Korean Assoc Pediatr Surg.  2012 Dec;18(2):83-88. 10.13029/jkaps.2012.18.2.83.

A Case of Ruptured Acute Appendicitis Presenting as Pneumoperitoneum in Low Birth Weighted Premature Baby

• Kang K
• Park Y
• Koo H
• Choi KJ

• KMID: 1427995
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.13029/jkaps.2012.18.2.83

Abstract

Acute appendicitis is very rare in premature neonates. Preoperative diagnosis of this condition is difficult, and then it leads to high morbidity and mortality. We report 9-day-old premature male with ruptured acute appendicitis presented with pneumoperitoneum on plain films of the abdomen. Awareness of this rare condition and possible differential diagnosis in this age group is also discussed.

Keyword

Premature neonate; Pneumoperitoneum; Ruptured appendicitis

MeSH Terms

Abdomen
Appendicitis
Diagnosis, Differential
Humans
Infant, Low Birth Weight
Infant, Newborn
Male
Pneumoperitoneum

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Preoperative supine(a) and cross-table lateral(b) abdominal X-ray show distension of bowel loops and free air in the peritoneum.

• 

  Fig. 2 Abdominal exploration shows the appendix completely transected (arrow).

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  Fig. 3 Masson's trichrome stain. Histopathologic examination of appendix shows a necrotic tissue and acute inflammatory cell in perforation site.

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