A Pediatric Radiology Textbook and Pediatric Radiology Digital Library
Normal Fluoroscopic Appearance of the Pediatric Gastrointestinal Tract
Etiology:
Imaging Radiograph: — Colonic air-fluid levels are common during bowel clean out — In chronically dilated bowel it is difficult to distinguish small bowel from colon
Imaging Fluroscopy: — Esophagus has a smooth contour without extrinsic compressions and the primary peristaltic wave should flow continuously through the esophagus without interruption, if flow of peristaltic wave is interrupted then consideration should be given to the presence of proximal escape of primary peristalsis — Stomach should have a normal contour and should have the lesser curvature above the greater curvature and should empty briskly — Dudodenal bulb should distend nicely and the duodenum should have a normal contour and the duodenal jejunal junction (ligament of Treitz) should be at the level of the duodenal bulb and over the left pedicle of the spine or to the left of the spine — Jejunum (on the left side of the abdomen) has a feathery appearance and compared to the ileum (on the right side of the abdomen) the jejunum has a greater caliber and has thicker and more numerous folds — Colon should have a normal contour and the haustra should be well visualzied
Imaging CT: — Jejunum normally enhances more than ileum due to increased number of valvulae conniventes in jejunum
DDX:
Complications:
Treatment:
Clinical:
Radiology Cases of Normal Fluoroscopic Appearance of the Pediatric Gastrointestinal Tract
Radiology Cases of Normal Fluoroscopic Appearance of the Esophagus
AP and lateral radiographs from an upper GI exam shows normal caliber of the esophagus with no extrinsic compressions on it. The esophageal mucosa is normal appearing.
Radiology Cases of Normal Fluoroscopic Appearance of the Stomach, Duodenum, Jejunum, Ileum, and Colon
AP image from a small bowel follow through exam shows contrast in the stomach, small bowel, and ascending colon. The stomach is noted to normal appearing gastric rugae. The dudodenal bulb is well distended. The duodenal jejunal junction (ligament of Treitz) projects over the left pedicle of the spine at T12. The normal appearing jejunum (on the left side of the abdomen) has a feathery appearance. Compared to the normal appearing ileum (on the right side of the abdomen) the jejunum has a greater caliber and has thicker and more numerous folds than the ileum. The haustra of the cecum and ascending colon are normal in appearance.