Sonographic demonstration of malabsorption in neonates.
A new sonographic pattern is described that has been found in eight infants having syndromes associated with malabsorption. Five infants had hepatobiliary disease and three infants had transient or permanent cow-milk intolerance. In all cases, upper abdominal sonographic examinations revealed hyperechoic tubular and round masses which, most probably, represent small bowel loops filled with malabsorbed milk. Control examinations, before hepatic failure or under corrected diet, showed absence of the pattern. It is believed by the authors that in some ambiguous cases, the finding of this pattern should direct the pediatrician toward syndromes associated with malabsorption.
D001652:Bile Ducts / Q000002:abnormalities; D005260:Female; D006501:Hepatic Encephalopathy / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000473:pathology; D007787:Lactose Intolerance / Q000473:pathology; D008286:Malabsorption Syndromes / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D014463:Ultrasonography