J Korean Soc Neonatol.  2012 Feb;19(1):46-50. 10.5385/jksn.2012.19.1.46.

Acquired Ileal Atresia in a Preterm Infant

• Lee HJ
• Na JY
• Ha TK
• Park HK
• Kim CR

• KMID: 2099231
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5385/jksn.2012.19.1.46

Abstract

Acquired ileal atresia is a rare but life-threatening complication that can occur after recovery from necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants. We present an unusual case of acquired ileal atresia in the distal ileum injured by ischemia after intestinal perforation in an extremely low-birth-weight infant. A 900 g (25 weeks gestation) premature infant developed a pneumoperitoneum without the radiologic manifestations of necrotizing enterocolitis on day 9 of life. Primary peritoneal drainage without further need for surgery was performed in the neonatal intensive care facility. Gastrointestinal gastrografin studies confirmed normal intestinal continuity and regular stools. Several weeks later, while the patient was receiving all nutrition orally with no medical problems, the patient's condition suddenly deteriorated, along with clinical signs of intestinal obstruction including emesis of bilious contents and stools. Laparotomy (on day 45 of life) revealed ileal atresia with V-shaped gap mesenteric defect.

Keyword

Aquired ileal atresia; Preterm infants; Intestinal perforation

MeSH Terms

Diatrizoate Meglumine
Drainage
Enterocolitis, Necrotizing
Humans
Ileum
Infant, Low Birth Weight
Infant, Newborn
Infant, Premature
Intensive Care, Neonatal
Intestinal Obstruction
Intestinal Perforation
Ischemia
Laparotomy
Pneumoperitoneum
Vomiting
Diatrizoate Meglumine