necrotizing enterocolitis
Clinical teaching and practical ideas for your next study session.
Case Discussion
Pneumatosis in NEC: How to Decide When a Preterm Infant Needs Surgery
A preterm infant with pneumatosis, portal venous gas, bloody stool, and shock needs more than a Bell-stage label. This case discussion connects the mechanism of intramural gas to bedside escalation, clarifies when surgical consultation should become urgent, and avoids the traps of waiting for free air or blaming the feed.