Diagnostic clues for pneumoperitoneum in premature infants through ultrasonography: Two newborn cases

Abstract

Pneumoperitoneum (PP) is a life-threatening condition that requires urgent intervention depending on etiology. Besides traditional methods for detecting free air in the abdominal cavity, abdominal ultrasonography may be an alternative tool for diagnosing intestinal injuries. We report two premature infants with PP diagnosed through bedside abdominal ultrasonography (BAUS). The first case was an extremely low-birth weight infant with PP due to necrotizing enterocolitis. The second case was 35 gestational-aged premature infants who had sudden abdominal distension. Abdominal ultrasonography use is trending in follow-up, especially in intensive care units and emergency departments. It is important to perform BAUS serially as a part of point-of-care ultrasonography application and consider with the physical examination in high-risk infants.