Portal venous gas value in predicting surgical necrotizing enterocolitis

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Pediatric Surgery
• Radiology

Background:

• Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a critical gastrointestinal emergency in premature infants.
• Early and accurate diagnosis of severe NEC is crucial for timely intervention and improved survival rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the significance of portal venous gas (PVG) as an imaging biomarker for NEC.
• To introduce and evaluate a novel nomogram for predicting the severity of neonatal NEC.

Main Methods:

• Review of imaging findings, specifically the presence and characteristics of PVG.
• Development and validation of a predictive nomogram incorporating clinical and radiological parameters.
• Correlation of PVG and nomogram scores with NEC severity and patient outcomes.

Main Results:

• Portal venous gas is a sensitive indicator of intestinal ischemia and perforation in NEC.
• The developed nomogram demonstrates high accuracy in distinguishing between mild and severe NEC cases.
• Early identification of severe NEC through PVG and the nomogram facilitates prompt surgical consultation.

Conclusions:

• Portal venous gas is a valuable diagnostic tool in neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis.
• The novel nomogram offers a promising method for predicting NEC severity, aiding clinical decision-making.
• Integrating imaging biomarkers like PVG with predictive tools can enhance the management of neonatal NEC.