Neonatal Intestinal Perforation Caused by Intestinal Muscularis Defect Associated with Vascular Ectasia

Abstract

We describe a rare case of a viable preterm infant who developed a spontaneous localized perforation of the small bowel caused by a segmental absence of the intestinal musculature and associated with vascular ectasia. The findings may support a causal relationship between absence of the intestinal muscle coat and a vascular network disorder which may be responsible for the gastroenteric defect.

Key Words:

• Intestinal muscularis defect
• Vascular ectasia
• Intestinal perforation