Diagnostic advantages of manual compression fluoroscopy in the radiologic work-up of vomiting neonates

Abstract

This paper describes a simple and effective fluoroscopic technique that remarkably improves diagnostic accuracy when evaluating vomiting newborns. The technique also minimizes the time of the examination and the radiation dose to the patient and radiology personnel. Several examples are presented illustrating the superiority of gloved hand or nonopaque compression technique to conventional contrast radiography, emphasizing babies with pyloric stenosis and midgut malrotation. The technical limitations and diagnostic pitfalls of conventional contrast modalities are compared to the highly diagnostic images obtained with manual compression fluoroscopy. All of the classic radiographic signs of pyloric stenosis can be mimicked by antral spasm or pylorospasm. Gloved hand compression overcomes antral spasm and clearly shows the true length and diameter of the pyloric canal in these two conditions. Malposition of the duodenojejunal junction is the only consistently diagnostic sign of midgut malrotation. Nonfixation of the duodenojejunal junction can be competently assessed by compression fluoroscopy, confirming malrotation and midgut volvulus simultaneously and bringing the patient to operation much sooner than with less precise conventional techniques. Gloved hand compression technique also evaluates stenotic areas in the upper gastrointestinal tract, distinguishing spasm from organic marrowing and clearly identifying those which need surgical intervention. Facilitating intubation of the duodenum is a final contribution of compression fluoroscopy.