Unveiling gas in the bowel wall: the role of point-of-care ultrasound in diagnosing pneumatosis intestinalis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is an infrequent but clinically significant finding that can be a surrogate indicator of underlying severe gastrointestinal conditions, particularly in pediatrics. Despite its typical association with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), PI can occasionally present without overt clinical signs, which presents a diagnostic dilemma.

Case presentation

A 35-day-old preterm infant who presented to the emergency department with loose stools and vomiting. Although the clinical examination was unremarkable, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) revealed multiple intramural echogenic foci consistent with PI. Subsequent abdominal X-rays confirmed the diagnosis. The patient was managed conservatively with bowel rest, intravenous fluids, and antibiotics,

SUBMITTER: Jawed R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12487155 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature