The persistent loop sign in neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis: a new indication for surgical intervention?

A new radiographic sign in neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis is described. Five patients with necrotizing enterocolitis exhibited an unchanging dilated loop of small bowel, which was followed by perforation in 3 infants; the other 2 had surgical and/or autopsy corroboration of profound bowel-wall necrosis. It is suggested that infants with a "persistent loop" be considered candidates for laparotomy.