Intestinal lesions containing coronavirus-like particles in neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis: an ultrastructural analysis.

Since the outbreaks of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis occurring in maternity hospitals of Paris and suburbs in 1979-1980, it has been possible to examine by light and electron microscopy gut specimens from ten newborns with this illness. Coronavirus-like particles, enclosed in intracytoplasmic vesicles of damaged epithelial cells of the intestinal mucosa, were observed in the small intestine, appendix, and colon. The ultrastructural study, supported by bacteriologic findings, suggests the role of coronavirus-like particles in the appearance of the lesions.

[Congenital pulmonary lymphangiectasis. One new case with complete blockage of the return venous pulmonary circulation and marked interstitial emphysema].

In this unusual case of bilateral congenital pulmonary lymphangiectasia with complete block of pulmonary venous return, the radiological diagnosis was made difficult by the association of the lymphangiectasia with bilateral interstitial emphysema. Routine dissection of the heart, considered to be normal since the cardio-thoracic index was only 0.45, relealed the true cause of death.