Intra-abdominal pneumatosis because of gastric outlet obstruction

2015-05-15 02:10:00

Category: Pediatric radiology, Region: Abdomen-Spleen, Plane: Other

A 9 week-old healthy full term infant was brought to emergency care with a history of intermittent vomiting after feeding and a 1.5 lb. (~10%) weight loss noted in the past week. On physical examination, the infant’s abdomen was distended and tender to palpation. Abdominal sonography showed gastric distention with air and portal and splenic venous gas (Fig 1 & 2). The infant developed bradycardia (heart rate of 50 beats/minute) and bradypnea requiring resuscitation with oxygen administered by mask. His serum potassium level was 2.3 mMol/L (normal in our laboratory is 3.5 - 5.0 mMol/L); Chloride level was 45 mMol/L (normal in our laboratory is 98 - 109 mMol/L) and serum CO2 of 45 mMol/L (Normal in our laboratory is 23 - 33 mMol/L). Subsequent abdominal radiographs, after the patient had vomited and also was treated with a nasogastric tube for suction, showed clearing of most the pneumatosis previously present in the liver and spleen (Fig 3 & 4); abdominal examination was positive for a “pyloric olive”, and confirmed by grey scale ultrasound (Fig 5 & 6). The pyloric stenosis was treated surgically with resolution of the infant’s symptoms and recovery of his ability to tolerate feedings with formula. He has been maintaining his weight after the surgery.