Imaging for neonates with suspected bowel obstruction

GI: gastrointestinal.
* A "double-bubble" sign on plain radiograph consists of two areas of lucency ("bubbles") representing air in the dilated stomach and proximal duodenum.
¶ The goal of the upper GI series is to evaluate for small intestinal atresia/stenosis and rule out malrotation/volvulus.
Δ The goal of the contrast enema is to look for evidence of Hirschsprung disease, meconium ileus, or distal intestinal atresia (colon or ileum).
◊ The goal of the limited upper GI series is to rule out malrotation with volvulus. If this disorder is present, proceed to surgery (no need for contrast enema).