Assessment of retromesenteric position of the third portion of the duodenum: an US feasibility study in 33 newborns.
BACKGROUND
US can be used to assess bowel and does not require ionizing radiation or the administration of contrast material. Prior studies of the duodenum with US are limited.


OBJECTIVE
This study assesses the success rate of US demonstration of the third portion of the duodenum (D3) between the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and the aorta in newborns to exclude malrotation based on embryologic and anatomic principles.


METHODS
Thirty-three newborns underwent US studies. The structures between the SMA and the aorta, including D3, were evaluated in axial and longitudinal planes. The length of time to acquire diagnostic images was recorded.


RESULTS
In both the axial and longitudinal planes, D3 was seen between the SMA and the aorta in all 33 infants, including some with abundant bowel gas. The mean length of time to acquire diagnostic images was 34 s.


CONCLUSIONS
Bedside US successfully illustrated the retromesenteric position of D3 in all 33 infants. Overlying gas-filled bowel was effectively effaced by graded compression. The short study duration indicates the practicality of the method. Further studies in broader patient populations and in correlation with other imaging and/or surgical findings is required to validate our technique.
Yousefzadeh
David K
DK
Department of Radiology, Comer Children's Hospital, The University of Chicago, MC 2026, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. dyousefz@radiology.bsd.uchicago.edu
Kang
Lisa
L
Tessicini
Laura
L
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004386:Duodenum / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D045822:Intestinal Volvulus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D014463:Ultrasonography