Sequential Spontaneous Gastric Perforations in a Premature Neonate
Keywords:
gastric rupture; pneumoperitoneum; premature infant; low birth weight infant; intestinal obstruction.Abstract
Introduction: Neonatal gastric perforation is a rare but highly fatal condition, usually occurring within the first seven days of life. Its etiology has remained uncertain, although it has been associated with prematurity and low birth weight.
Objective: To present an exceptional case of multiple gastric perforations in a premature neonate and to highlight the diagnostic challenges, pathophysiological mechanisms, and surgical approach.
Case report: A premature neonate of 30 weeks gestation required initial respiratory support and admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. At eight days of age, the infant presented with severe abdominal distension and hemodynamic deterioration. Chest X-ray revealed massive pneumoperitoneum. Despite surgical interventions and intensive treatment, the patient developed a triple gastric perforation, complications associated with extreme prematurity, severe lung injury, hemodynamic instability, and gastrointestinal damage.
Conclusions: Neonatal gastric perforation is a clinically unpredictable event, the outcome and prognosis of which depend on the severity and extent of the injury.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Fernando Augusto Escobar, José Ricardo Torres Pulido, Katherine Medina Quevedo, Sofía Corredor Jaramillo, Laura Sofía Vesga García, María Paula Diaz Hernandez
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