Learning objectives
To recognize the radiographic positioning.
To become familiar with the normal shadows on a neonatal abdominal X-ray.
To establish a search pattern and develop a checklist.
To be acquainted with the most common abnormalities detected on a neonatal abdominal X-ray.
Background
Obtaining a portable abdominal X-ray remains the first step examination in the assessment pathway of the sick newborn complaining of vomiting, abdominal distention, bloody stool, or failure to pass meconium although it has low specificity, sensitivity and it is difficult to interpret.Furthermore, it is utilized for evaluating the position of the tubes and lines. However, this is out of the scope of this poster.
Findings and procedure details
Findings and procedure details:In this poster, reading the neonatal abdominal x ray is simplified into a comprehensive approach based on 3 prime shadows, air, soft tissue, and bone.The normal bowel gas aeration timing, morphology, location, distribution along with the abnormal bowel gas distribution (like the gas-less abdomen, double bubble sign, and upper and lower GI obstruction) are thoroughly delineated. The various signs of pneumoperitoneum and necrotizing enterocolitis are illustrated.The normal and the most frequently encountered abnormal soft tissue and bony shadows are demonstrated.Discussion:Positioning for abdominal...
Conclusion
Adhering to a simplified scrutinized approach for analyzing the neonatal abdominal x-ray is a pivotal step to direct the patient towards the correct management plan.
Personal information and conflict of interest
A. F. Huneity:
Nothing to disclose
I. A. Alhashimi:
Nothing to disclose
S. M. Elmistiri:
Nothing to disclose
S. B. M. Zoghoul:
Nothing to disclose
A. Sadiq:
Nothing to disclose
S. Samaan:
Nothing to disclose
References
M. Elsayed, et al. Abnormal Neonatal Bowel Gas Patterns on Plain Radiography - Back to the Basics. ECR. 2013.
Sarah J. Menashe, et al. Pediatric Abdominal Radiographs: Common and Less Common Errors. AJR, 2017.
Prasad GR, Aziz A. Abdominal plain radiograph in neonatal intestinal obstruction. J Neonat Surg. 2017; 6:6.
Daniel N. Vinocur, et al. Neonatal Intestinal Obstruction. AJR. 2012.