NEONATAL NECROTIZING ENTEROCOLITIS - AIR IN MORISON POUCH

Six newborn inants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) were noted to have air confined to Morison pouch as an early sign of pneumoperitoneum. Air in Morison pouch appears as a triangular lucency in the right upper quadrant. Extraluminal air in this location is easily mistaken for air within a loop of bowel if its characteristic appearance is not specifically sought. Review of the literature revealed no reported cases of NEC in which air in Morison pouch was mentioned. The authors' observation of six patients suggests that air in Morison pouch may be more common than previously recognized. Air in Morison pouch has the same significance as more obvious signs of pneumoperitoneum, and its detection is an indication for surgery.