Bowel perforation in the newborn: diagnosis with metrizamide.

Abstract

Although the diagnosis of bowel perforation is frequently straightforward, it may be difficult in the neonate. Clinical signs may be limited to abdominal distension. If the patient is on assisted ventilation, pneumoperitoneum may be due to air tracking down from the chest rather than perforation. Six cases are reported of bowel perforation in infants in whom the diagnosis could not readily be made from the clinical findings and plain radiographs, but was apparent when oral metrizamide was employed. Metrizamide can apparently be a valuable adjunct in some cases of neonatal bowel perforation.