X-ray Diagnosis of Hirschsprung's Disease in Neonates:A Report of 33Cases

Objective To discuss the diagnostic value of barium enema and abdominal X-ray plain films for Hirschsprung's disease in neonates.Methods 33 neonates with Hirschsprung's disease proved by colonic surgery or rectal biopsy were collected.The typical andatypical X-ray features on barium enema and abdominal X-ray plain films were retrospectively analysed.Results In 33 cases,barium enema showed a case of short segment type Hirschsprung's disease,16 cases of common type,2 cases of long segment type and 5 cases of whole colon type.Barium retention in the whole colon in 5 cases and in a part of colon in 21 cases were seen after 24 hours follow-up.2 cases showed irregular bizarre saw-toothed change of rectum and sigmoid colon.On abdominal X-ray plain films,20 cases showed low colonic obstruction and intestinal distention and 5 cases showed less air in intestines.Conclusion Barium enema and abdominal plain films can afford the valuable X-ray diagnosis for Hirschsprung's disease in neonates suspected initially by clinician.