Neonatal appendicitis causing intramural ileocecal stricture and intestinal obstruction

Neonatal appendicitis (NA) is a rare entity, and resultant ileocecal (I-C) segment stricture is never reported before. It often poses a diagnostic dilemma. Diagnostic delays could lead to increased morbidity, such as perforation, peritonitis, sepsis, and intestinal obstruction. We report a case of NA causing intramural I-C stricture and resultant intestinal obstruction in a preterm infant. Progressive abdominal distension, feeding intolerance, and constipation were the triad of clinical presentations purporting an evolving obstructing-inflammatory response to a recent episode of appendicitis. Early laparotomy, resection of the I-C segment along with the diseased appendix, and ileocolic anastomosis resolved the child’s obstruction symptoms.