The Baby with a Big Belly: Life-threatening Abdominal Distention in a Newborn

Introduction: Abdominal distention in newborns can be a sign of a life-threatening condition. Timely examination and imaging studies are important to prevent adverse outcomes. Case Description: A male infant was born at 35+5 weeks estimated gestational age via emergent Cesarean section for non-reassuring fetal heart tones. His mother had no prenatal care until 23 weeks estimated gestational age. Upon delivery he was limp and did not cry; Apgar scores were 3 and 8. On examination he was pale with a moderately distended abdomen, firm to palpation on the right side. He passed a meconium stool and his first void contained frank blood. An x-ray showed bowel gas only …