Neonatal appendicitis: a new look at an old zebra

Abstract Acute neonatal appendicitis is a rare condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The severity of this disease is caused by its tendency to occur more frequently in premature infants, an increased perforation rate with rapid progression to peritonitis, and delay in diagno...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of pediatric surgery 2008-10, Vol.43 (10), p.e1-e5
Main Authors: Jancelewicz, Tim, Kim, Grace, Miniati, Doug
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Appendectomy
Appendicitis - diagnosis
Appendicitis - epidemiology
Appendicitis - etiology
Appendicitis - pathology
Appendicitis - surgery
Comorbidity
Diagnosis, Differential
Disease Susceptibility
Diverticulitis - complications
Diverticulitis - pathology
Diverticulitis - surgery
Enterocolitis, Necrotizing - diagnosis
Esophageal Atresia - complications
Humans
Hydronephrosis - complications
Hydronephrosis - congenital
Infant, Newborn
Infant, Premature
Infant, Premature, Diseases - diagnosis
Infant, Premature, Diseases - pathology
Infant, Premature, Diseases - surgery
Intestines - blood supply
Ischemia - complications
Male
Meckel Diverticulum - complications
Meckel Diverticulum - pathology
Meckel Diverticulum - surgery
Necrotizing enterocolitis
Neonatal appendicitis
Pediatrics
Pneumoperitoneum - etiology
Surgery
Tetralogy of Fallot - complications
Tetralogy of Fallot - surgery
Tracheoesophageal fistula
Tracheoesophageal Fistula - etiology
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Description
Summary:Abstract Acute neonatal appendicitis is a rare condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The severity of this disease is caused by its tendency to occur more frequently in premature infants, an increased perforation rate with rapid progression to peritonitis, and delay in diagnosis and intervention. Although appendicitis in the perinatal period may occur as an isolated event, in many cases it occurs in association with other pathologic states, including prematurity, inguinal hernia, and others. The presentation of neonatal appendicitis can be identical to necrotizing enterocolitis, leading to misdiagnosis. Here we report a case of perforated appendicitis in a 9-day-old boy with tetralogy of Fallot and esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula. In addition, we present a review of the clinical features of neonatal appendicitis and a discussion of previously described, associated conditions.
ISSN:0022-3468
1531-5037
DOI:10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2008.05.014