Gastric perforation - An unusual cause of ascites in a newborn baby

We report a case of a low birth weight asymmetrical small for gestational a ge baby, who presented at the age of 20 hours with sudden abdominal distens ion. Since birth he has been breastfed and was kept with his mother. Absenc e of radiological findings of necrotizing enterocolitis or perforation at t he time of presentation delayed the diagnosis for 48 hours. At laparotomy t he baby was found to have perforation of the stomach with no evidence of ot her gastrointestinal disorder.