Necrotizing enteritis.

Clinicopathological features and follow-up of 150 cases of necrotizing enteritis observed over the period of 8 years at Miraj, India, are presented. This is a distinct pathological entity with seasonal occurrence, frequently affecting male patients of the low socioeconomic groups between the third and fifth decades of life. The symptoms are disproportionately greater than the physical signs. The ischaemic lesions, which mainly affect the jejunum, show a variable degree of severity ranging from segmental congestion and ulceration to extensive gangrene and perforation. In the early stage of the disease recovery is complete. Conservative treatment is preferred in early cases, surgery being indicated only for advanced lesions. No definite aetiology has been detected.