Gastrointestinal Emergency in Neonates and Infants: A Pictorial Essay

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Radiology
• Gastroenterology
• Neonatal Medicine

Background:

• Gastrointestinal (GI) emergencies in neonates and infants present diverse challenges.
• Congenital and acquired conditions affect the entire GI tract.
• Overlapping clinical signs necessitate precise diagnostic tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review essential radiological findings of neonatal and infantile GI emergencies.
• To guide accurate and timely diagnosis.
• To emphasize appropriate imaging to minimize radiation exposure and costs.

Main Methods:

• Review of radiological findings for common upper and lower GI emergencies.
• Discussion of imaging characteristics for conditions like malrotation, necrotizing enterocolitis, and intussusception.
• Focus on diagnostic imaging modalities in pediatric GI emergencies.

Main Results:

• Detailed radiological features of various upper GI emergencies (e.g., esophageal atresia, hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, malrotation, midgut volvulus).
• Comprehensive radiological findings for lower GI emergencies (e.g., jejunoileal atresia, meconium ileus, Hirschsprung disease, necrotizing enterocolitis, intussusception).
• Emphasis on the role of imaging in differentiating these conditions.

Conclusions:

• Appropriate imaging is vital for the accurate diagnosis of GI emergencies in neonates and infants.
• Radiological assessment aids in timely management and prevents unnecessary interventions.
• Understanding specific imaging findings improves diagnostic yield and patient outcomes.