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Updated: Feb 28, 2026
A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn
Published on: April 7, 2023
Neonatal Gastrointestinal Emergencies: Step-by-Step Approach
A Luana Stanescu1, Mark C Liszewski2, Edward Y Lee3
1Department of Radiology, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington School of Medicine, 4800 Sand Point Way Northeast, Seattle, WA 98105, USA.
Insights
Prompt diagnosis of neonatal gastrointestinal emergencies is crucial. Imaging, including abdominal series, upper GI series, and contrast enema, is key for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment of these congenital conditions.
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.
Abstract:
Neonatal gastrointestinal emergencies are caused by a diverse set of primarily congenital entities that may affect the upper or lower gastrointestinal tracts, and occasionally both. Although a diagnosis can sometimes be made on prenatal imaging, more commonly patients present after birth and require prompt diagnosis to facilitate timely treatment. Imaging plays a central role in the accurate diagnosis of these entities and typically consists of an initial abdominal series followed by either an upper gastrointestinal series or contrast enema. The authors review the most common neonatal gastrointestinal emergencies and provide a step-by-step approach to the accurate imaging diagnosis.
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