Necrotising enterocolitis

Question 1

What is necrotising enterocolitis?

Answer 1

Necrotising enterocolitis is one of the leading causes of death among premature infants.

Question 2

What are the initial symptoms of necrotising enterocolitis?

Answer 2

Initial symptoms can include feeding intolerance, abdominal distension, and bloody stools.

Question 3

What can the symptoms of necrotising enterocolitis progress to?

Answer 3

Symptoms can quickly progress to abdominal discolouration, perforation, and peritonitis.

Question 4

What diagnostic tool is useful for necrotising enterocolitis?

Answer 4

Abdominal x-rays are useful when diagnosing necrotising enterocolitis.

Question 5

What can abdominal x-rays show in necrotising enterocolitis?

Answer 5

Abdominal x-rays can show dilated bowel loops, bowel wall oedema, pneumatosis intestinalis, portal venous gas, pneumoperitoneum, air inside and outside of the bowel wall, and air outlining the falciform ligament.

Question 6

What does Rigler sign indicate?

Answer 6

Rigler sign indicates air both inside and outside of the bowel wall.

Question 7

What does football sign indicate?

Answer 7

Football sign indicates air outlining the falciform ligament.