Neonatal Gastrointestinal Emergencies: Step-by-Step Approach.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Radiology
• Neonatal Surgery
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Neonatal gastrointestinal emergencies stem from various congenital conditions affecting the upper and/or lower GI tracts.
• While prenatal imaging can offer clues, most diagnoses occur postnatally, necessitating rapid identification for effective intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review common neonatal gastrointestinal emergencies.
• To outline a systematic imaging-based diagnostic approach for these critical conditions.

Main Methods:

• Review of common congenital neonatal gastrointestinal emergencies.
• Description of a diagnostic imaging pathway.
• Includes initial abdominal series, upper gastrointestinal series, and contrast enema.

Main Results:

• Imaging is central to the accurate diagnosis of neonatal gastrointestinal emergencies.
• A structured imaging approach aids in timely and correct diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• Accurate and timely diagnosis of neonatal gastrointestinal emergencies relies heavily on appropriate imaging.
• This review provides a practical, step-by-step imaging guide for clinicians managing these neonatal surgical emergencies.