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Microcolon in the absence of small bowel obstruction in the newborn

J C Leonidas1

  • 1Department of Radiology, Schneider Children's Hospital, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, NY 11042.

Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|February 1, 1989
PubMed

Insights

Microcolon, a small colon, can occur from in utero intestinal obstruction. Congenital abdominal masses can cause microcolon even with normal intestines, highlighting potential causes of neonatal microcolon.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Developmental Biology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Microcolon is a recognized indicator of intrauterine intestinal obstruction.
  • It is most frequently associated with distal small bowel obstruction.

Observation:

  • Two cases presented congenital abdominal masses: an ileal duplication and a hepatic mesenchymal hamartoma.
  • These masses induced microcolon despite intrinsically normal bowel anatomy.

Findings:

  • Congenital abdominal masses can precipitate microcolon through extrinsic compression.
  • Neonatal microcolon can result from intrauterine bowel compression.

Implications:

  • This expands the differential diagnosis for microcolon beyond intrinsic bowel abnormalities.
  • Understanding extrinsic compression mechanisms is crucial for diagnosing and managing neonatal microcolon.

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