Colonic hyperganglionosis presenting as neonatal enterocolitis and multiple strictures

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Pediatric Surgery
• Pathology

Background:

• Neuronal intestinal dysplasia (NID) is a congenital disorder affecting the enteric nervous system.
• NID typically mimics Hirschsprung's disease, characterized by absent ganglion cells in the distal bowel.
• Rarely, NID can manifest as neonatal enterocolitis, a severe intestinal inflammation.

Observation:

• The study reports a rare case of colonic hyperganglionosis, a subtype of NID.
• This specific NID presentation was observed in a neonate who developed postenterocolitis intestinal strictures.
• The strictures developed following an episode of neonatal enterocolitis.

Findings:

• Colonic hyperganglionosis, a form of NID, was identified as the underlying condition.
• The patient presented with intestinal strictures secondary to enterocolitis.
• This case demonstrates an unusual clinical course for NID.

Implications:

• Neuronal intestinal dysplasia should be considered in the differential diagnosis of neonatal enterocolitis, even when rare.
• NID, particularly colonic hyperganglionosis, can be an underlying cause of intestinal strictures post-enterocolitis.
• Recognizing these rare presentations is crucial for timely diagnosis and management of NID in neonates.