In pediatric cases of intestinal obstruction, which condition is least likely to present with pneumatosis intestinalis?

Pneumatosis intestinalis refers to the presence of gas within the wall of the intestines and can be indicative of various underlying conditions, often associated with intestinal ischemia or injury. In pediatric cases, certain conditions are more closely associated with the presence of pneumatosis intestinalis.

Necrotizing enterocolitis is commonly seen in preterm infants and is characterized by bowel necrosis. It frequently presents with pneumatosis intestinalis due to the compromised blood supply and subsequent bacterial fermentation within the bowel wall.

Meconium ileus, a condition often associated with cystic fibrosis, can also manifest pneumatosis intestinalis. The obstruction and resultant changes in bowel motility and bacterial flora can lead to gas formation within the intestinal wall.

Volvulus, which involves twisting of the intestine leading to obstruction and potential ischemia, is also characterized by pneumatosis intestinalis. The compromised blood flow in twists can lead to necrosis and gas formation.

However, intestinal atresia, which is a developmental condition resulting in a segment of the intestine being absent or closed off, is less likely to present with pneumatosis intestinalis. This is primarily because intestinal atresia does not typically lead to the kind of ischemic changes seen in