Improved Diagnostic Sensitivity of Bowel Disease of Prematurity on Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound

J Ultrasound Med. 2020 May;39(5):1031-1036. doi: 10.1002/jum.15168. Epub 2019 Nov 9.

Abstract

Bowel diseases of prematurity, including necrotizing enterocolitis, are dreaded ailments of neonates. Early diagnosis is difficult, with clinical and radiographic findings often inconclusive. We present a novel use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in detection of pediatric bowel disease. Early identification of compromised blood flow or an at-risk bowel can be quantitatively detected and monitored. This ability has implications for guidance of emerging therapies, allowing targeting of inflammation. These findings represent an advancement in detection of bowel disease in neonates.

Keywords: bowel disease of prematurity; contrast-enhanced ultrasound; necrotizing enterocolitis; neonate.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Contrast Media*
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Infant, Premature, Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Infant, Premature, Diseases / surgery
  • Intestinal Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Intestinal Diseases / surgery
  • Intestines / diagnostic imaging
  • Intestines / surgery
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Ultrasonography / methods*

Substances

  • Contrast Media