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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
State of the Art Cranial Ultrasound Imaging in Neonates
Published on: February 2, 2015
Gastrointestinal pathology in neonates: new imaging strategies
Stephanie Ryan1, Veronica Donoghue
1Department of Radiology, Children's University Hospital, Temple Street, Dublin 1, Ireland. stephanie.ryan@cuh.ie
Insights
Plain radiographs and contrast studies remain key for infant gastrointestinal (GI) imaging. This review highlights advanced imaging techniques like ultrasound, CT, MRI, and radionuclide studies for diagnosing GI pathology in neonates.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Gastrointestinal Imaging
- Neonatal Care
Background:
- Plain radiography and contrast studies are traditional mainstays for infant gastrointestinal (GI) imaging.
- Newer imaging modalities offer alternative and complementary diagnostic strategies.
- Understanding these advancements is crucial for effective neonatal care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and emerging imaging strategies for pediatric GI pathology.
- To emphasize advanced imaging modalities beyond conventional methods.
- To discuss the impact of antenatal diagnosis on neonatal GI imaging and management.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on advanced imaging techniques for GI pathology in infants.
- Focus on ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and radionuclide studies.
- Analysis of imaging approaches for newborns, older neonates, and premature infants.
Main Results:
- Advanced imaging modalities like US, CT, and MRI provide valuable insights into complex GI conditions.
- Radionuclide studies offer functional information for specific GI disorders.
- Antenatal diagnosis significantly alters the postnatal imaging strategy and clinical management.
Conclusions:
- While conventional methods persist, advanced imaging techniques are increasingly vital for diagnosing infant GI pathology.
- A multimodal imaging approach tailored to the infant's age and clinical presentation is essential.
- Integration of antenatal findings guides postnatal imaging and management, improving outcomes for neonates with GI abnormalities.
Abstract:
The mainstay of imaging of gastrointestinal (GI) pathology in infants has always been and still is the plain radiograph of the abdomen and conventional contrast studies. In this review emphasis is placed on the situations where there are new imaging strategies and alternative modalities of imaging, including US, CT, MRI and radionuclide studies. This review will deal with GI pathology in the newborn and in the older neonate. It will also refer to any new approaches to imaging GI pathology in the premature infant. Finally the review will address how antenatal diagnosis of gastrointestinal tract abnormalities has changed the imaging strategy and management of the neonate.
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