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Published on: March 5, 2018

[Congenital gastrointestinal tract obstructions (pictorial essay)]

Abdulhakim Coşkun1, Halil Sevinç

  • 1Erciyes Universitesi Tip Fakültesi, Radyoloji Anabilim Dali, Kayseri, Turkey.

Tanisal Ve Girisimsel Radyoloji : Tibbi Goruntuleme Ve Girisimsel Radyoloji Dernegi Yayin Organi
|April 1, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Congenital gastrointestinal obstructions in neonates are diagnosed with radiography. Contrast enemas are preferred over barium for lower intestinal issues, aiding diagnosis and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Radiology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Congenital anomalies frequently cause neonatal gastrointestinal tract obstruction.
  • Radiography is often sufficient for complete upper intestinal obstruction, but further imaging may be needed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review diagnostic imaging strategies for neonatal gastrointestinal obstruction.
  • To emphasize careful consideration of imaging modalities to avoid delays and complications.

Main Methods:

  • Review of diagnostic imaging techniques for upper and lower gastrointestinal obstruction in neonates.
  • Discussion of the utility and limitations of radiography, barium studies, ultrasonography, CT, and MRI.
  • Focus on contrast enema techniques for lower intestinal obstruction.

Main Results:

  • Complete upper intestinal obstruction typically requires limited radiological evaluation post-radiography.
  • Barium studies and advanced imaging (ultrasonography, CT, MRI) are often complementary and may delay surgery.
  • Abdominal radiography is usually diagnostic for low intestinal obstruction; contrast enema differentiates ileal from colonic obstruction.

Conclusions:

  • Careful selection of imaging examinations is crucial to prevent unnecessary radiation exposure and surgical delays.
  • Water-soluble contrast agents and specific catheter types are recommended for neonatal contrast enemas.
  • Water-soluble enemas can be therapeutic for meconium ileus, unlike barium sulphate suspensions.

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