Necrotising enterocolitis Flashcards
1
Q
What is necrotising enterocolitis?
A
one of the leading causes of death amongpremature infants. Initial symptoms can includefeeding intolerance, abdominal distension and bloody stools, which can quickly progress to abdominal discolouration, perforation and peritonitis.
2
Q
How to diagnose necrotising enterocolitis?
A
abdominal x-rays
3
Q
what can abdominal xrays show with necrotising enterocolitis?
A
- dilated bowel loops (often asymmetrical in distribution)
- bowel wall oedema
- pneumatosis intestinalis (intramural gas)
- portal venous gas
- pneumoperitoneum resulting from perforation
- air both inside and outside of the bowel wall (Rigler sign)
- air outlining the falciform ligament (football sign)
