Assessment of retromesenteric position of the third portion of the duodenum: an US feasibility study in 33 newborns.

Background: US can be used to assess bowel and does not require ionizing radiation or the administration of contrast material. Prior studies of the duodenum with US are limited.

Objective: This study assesses the success rate of US demonstration of the third portion of the duodenum (D3) between the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and the aorta in newborns to exclude malrotation based on embryologic and anatomic principles.