In-utero cocaine exposure and neonatal intestinal perforation: a case report

This article describes a case of spontaneous neonatal intestinal perforation in a preterm infant with evidence of intrauterine exposure to cocaine. Clinical, laboratory, radiological, surgical, and pathological finds were inconsistent with necrotizing enterocolitis. Three previous case reports had made the association between spontaneous focal neonatal intestinal perforation and prior intrauterine cocaine exposure; however, in each case, there were extenuating circumstances that may weaken the etiological link. The case described here appears to strengthen the association/etiological link. After all other causes of focal neonatal intestinal perforation have been excluded, the possibility of intrauterine exposure to cocaine should be considered.