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The early diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease

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Abstract

The majority of cases of aganglionosis present and can be diagnosed in the neonatal period. Enterocolitis is a common and fatal complication so that early diagnosis is important. The plain films and enema features of 47 cases diagnosed in the neonatal period were examined. Except when a bowel wash out had been given, all these cases showed obstructive fluid levels in the plain films and the common type of short segment aganglionosis gave an “egg on end” appearance of low small bowel obstruction in the inverted lateral view. The classical enema features take time to develop and the narrowed aganglio wic area is not always obvious but can be shown by a careful technique of slow filling with delayed films. A high degree of accuracy was obtained except in the cases of preliminary lavage, enterocolitis and meconium plug. To make an early correct diagnosis, it is important to have close correlation between clinicians, radiologists, and pathologists.

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Author notes

  1. B. J. Cremin (Professor of Radiology and Head of Department)

    Present address: Groote Schuur Medical School, University of Cape Town, South Africa

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa

    B. J. Cremin (Professor of Radiology and Head of Department)

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  1. B. J. Cremin
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Cremin, B.J. The early diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease. Pediatr Radiol 2, 23–28 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00972843

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