Islet cell necrosis in the neonatal pancreas: a report of three cases

Three cases of islet cell necrosis in neonates are reported. The association of this rare condition with antepartum haemorrhage, anoxia, shock and intravascular coagulation are discussed. The clinical and morphological appearances were compared with previous descriptions of this condition and an association with neonatal hypoglycaemia was made. There are several patho-physiological mechanisms which may be responsible for this unusual pattern of necrosis.