Chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction syndrome. Radiologic signs in children with emphasis on differentiation from mechanical obstruction.

The radiographic pattern of chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudoobstruction syndrome (CIIPS) in children includes: (a) manifestation of motility disorder, and (b) signs of bowel occlusion. The findings on plain films are identical to those of mechanical obstruction. However, when there is a clinical history of chronic symptoms of a disparity between the patient's clinical condition and the radiographic findings, opaque studies are indicated.

"Contrast buttle": a sign indicating perforation of the digestive tract.

Bubble formation outside the digestive tract that correlated with small perforations was observed in two infants during water-soluble contrast material studies using a 50% solution of Gastrografin in water. The causes of extraluminal bubbles are discussed; in vitro experiments demonstrated the mechanism of formation and the radiographic characteristics of the various types of bubbles. Extraluminal bubbles appearing during a water-soluble contrast material examination actually represent contrast bubbles.

Ileo-ileal intussusception in the newborn. Report of a radiologically diagnosed case.

Ileo-Ileal intussusception was demonstrated preoperatively in a newborn infant by gastrografin enema with deliberate reflux of the contrast material into the small bowel. An intraluminal filling defect and stretching of the mucosal folds were demonstrated. The indications and proper use of contrast enemas are discussed.

Chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction syndrome in children--clinical characteristics and prognosis.

Eleven children with the diagnosis of chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction are presented. Four children, all siblings of a symptomatic patient, were asymptomatic and were diagnosed radiographically. The clinical course was characterized by intermittent episodes of abdominal distention, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, and malnutrition.