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.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
May 2,
2008
Received in revised form:
April 25,
2008
Received:
January 29,
2008
Identification
Copyright
© 2008 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
