Diagnostic value of high frequency ultrasonography in neonatal annular pancreas

Objective To evaluate the clinical significance of high frequency ultrasonography in the diagnosis of annular pancreas in neonates.Methods Ultrasound results,clinical data,operation results and complicating deformity of 19 neonates were reviewed retrospectively.The digestive tracts of 19 neonates,including stomach,duodenum,jejunoileum and colon,were examined with 8-12 MHz linear transducer before surgery.Results Of 19 neonates with annular pancreas,17 cases were diagnosed with ultrasound,the diagnostic rate was 89％.The pancreas tissue encircling the descending duodenum was directly displayed as a direct sign of ultrasonography and the expansion of the proximal end of the duodenum was presented as an indirect sign of ultrasonography in 17 neonates.There were 3 neonates with annular pancreas complicating intestine malrotation and 2 neonates with annular pancreas complicating duodenal membraneous stenosis.One neonate was misdiagnosised and the other was missed.Conclusions High frequency ultrasonography plays an important role in diagnosing annular pancreas and other digestive deformity in neonates.It can be used as the first choice for the neonatal annular pancreas. Key words: Ultrasonography; Annular pancreas; Infant,newbon