Pneumatosis Intestinalis in Necrotizing Enterocolitis

An 11-day-old boy presented with diarrhea, emesis, abdominal distention, and shock. Abdominal radiography revealed pneumatosis intestinalis (gas within the bowel wall). During an exploratory laparotomy, gas bubbles were seen in the bowel walls, a finding consistent with necrotizing enterocolitis. He died intraoperatively from worsening symptoms associated with shock.