The causes of neonatal pneumoperitoneum are different from adult pneumoperitoneum and include:
- perforated hollow viscus
- necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC): most common
- meconium ileus in cystic fibrosis
- Hirschsprung disease
- intestinal atresia or web
- peptic ulcer disease
- iatrogenic
- intubation/mechanical ventilation
- rectal thermometer
- enema
Radiographic features
Although these are essentially the same as in adults, erect chest X-rays are not obtained, and thus the diagnosis should be made with supine films. Additional horizontal cross table shoot through films or left decubitus shoot though films may be performed.