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Published on: October 29, 2014
Neonatal Bowel Obstruction by Pseudolymphoma: A Case Report
Apostolia Galani1, Athanasios Zikopoulos2, Eirini Mastora1
1Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, GRC.
Insights
A rare case of fetal interstitial obstruction in a newborn was caused by benign lymphoid hyperplasia, a type of pseudolymphoma. This condition requires immediate medical attention for affected infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Neonatal Medicine
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Interstitial obstruction in newborns presents a critical surgical emergency.
- Common causes include malrotation, meconium issues, Hirschsprung's disease, and atresia/stenosis.
- Pediatric gastrointestinal tumors are exceptionally rare in neonates.
Observation:
- A significant dilation of the small bowel was detected on a 31-week fetal scan, indicating interstitial obstruction.
- The newborn presented with symptoms necessitating immediate transfer to a specialized unit.
- Surgical exploration (laparotomy) was performed to address the obstruction.
Findings:
- The obstruction was found to be caused by a tumor.
- Histological examination identified the tumor as benign lymphoid hyperplasia.
- This represents a rare instance of pseudolymphoma causing fetal interstitial obstruction.
Implications:
- Pseudolymphoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis for fetal interstitial obstruction.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for neonatal outcomes.
- Understanding rare causes of neonatal obstruction aids in timely and appropriate management.
Abstract:
Interstitial obstruction in newborn infants can be caused by several factors such as malrotation, meconium plug syndrome, meconium ileus, Hirschsprung's disease, atresia and stenosis. Neonates who have been diagnosed with an interstitial obstruction are in need of immediate treatment; otherwise, they can deteriorate rapidly. Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment in most cases. Pediatric gastrointestinal tumours are very rare, especially in newborn infants. Their management is usually different as compared to adults. We present the case of a newborn infant who was born with interstitial obstruction. At the 31 weeks scan, a significant dilation of the small bowel was observed and the diagnosis of interstitial obstruction was made. When born, the newborn was transferred to a specialised unit and underwent a laparotomy. The findings were consistent with a tumour causing the obstruction; the histology reported this tumour as benign lymphoid hyperplasia. Pseudolymphoma is a very rare cause of fetal interstitial obstruction, and it should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
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