Abstract
Background:
The position of third portion of duodenum (D3) is always intramesenteric in malrotation. Displaying normal retromesenteric- retroperitoneal position of D3 by ultrasound (US) can help to rule out malrotation.Objectives:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of US in demonstration of retroperitoneal D3.Patients and Methods:
Abdominal US study was performed for various indications in sixty newborns and infants [Mean age: 33 days (range: 4-100 days); 56.7% male] by an expert paediatric radiologist. D3 position and its adjacent structures were evaluated in axial and longitudinal planes by linear and curve transducers.Results:
Normal retromesenteric-retroperitoneal D3 between superior mesenteric artery and aorta was seen by US in all patients, including those with severe bowel gas. Mean time for displaying D3 was 47.8 s (10-180 s). Ultrasound was also capable to demonstrate D3 structure, diameter, content, its adjacent structures, relative position of superior mesenteric artery and vein.Conclusions:
Ultrasound is a simple, fast and highly accurate modality for confirming retroperitoneal position of D3. Ultrasound can be used as the screening method for malrotation and obviate unnecessary barium studies.Full Text
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