Spontaneous Rupture of the Gastro-enteric Tract in the Newborn

Abstract

The term spontaneous perforation of the gastro-intestinal tract is defined, and a plea to confine its use to cases occurring in the newborn is made. Thirteen cases of spontaneous perforation are reported. The importance of early diagnosis and prompt institution of appropriate treatment is stressed. Early diagnosis is facilitated by a characteristic history of acute onset of massive abdominal distention associated with respiratory difficulty. Confirmation of the diagnosis is obtained by an upright film of the abdomen, with demonstration of pneumoperitoneum of saddle-bag configuration. Two cases of spontaneous perforation of the stomach in infants past the newborn period are presented.