Pneumoscrotum: A rare presentation of Neonatal Necrotizing Entero-Colitis

Pneumoscrotum is characterized by the presence of air in the scrotal sac.¹ It is very uncommon in the newborn. In this condition, air can descend to the scrotum from the peritoneum, commonly after a bowel perforation. The air can descend to the scrotum rarely from the lungs or mediastinum.² Injury to the scrotum or its gangrene has also been reported to cause pneumoscrotum. In newborns, pneumoscrotum is usually a consequence of perforation of the intestines in NNEC, like in this neonate. This condition is usually diagnosed clinically and the X-rays aid in the confirmation of the diagnosis and the localization of the origin of the air leak.³ Although pneumoscrotum is a benign clinical sign, its cause determines the outcome.⁴ Prompt treatment of the underlying cause is warranted, once pneumoscrotum is diagnosed. This neonate had intestinal perforation resulting from NNEC. The Pneumoscrotum in this neonate is the result of the entry of air from the peritoneum to the scrotum. The patent process vaginalis in neonates makes this entry of air possible.

References :

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