title: The use of nasogastric intubation in the radiological diagnosis of oesophageal atresias.
abstract: Correctly performed oesophageal intubation determines the presence of atresia. The physical properties of the nasogastric tube used determines the place of radiology in this diagnosis. The appearance of a curled tube (hoop sign) in the proximal oesophagus in the newborn is diagnostic of atresia, as it clearly delineates the oesophageal pouch. The performance of a contrast study to establish this diagnosis is never indicated, since it is impossible to eliminate aspiration completely.
authors: Division of Paediatric Surgery, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg Hospital.
authors: M R
authors: MR
authors: Davies
mesh_terms: D004933:Esophageal Atresia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007441:Intubation, Gastrointestinal / Q000379:methods*; D011859:Radiography