Abdominal Radiograph and Abdominal Ultrasound for Necrotizing Enterocolitis Diagnosis and Management.

Creator(s)

• Eric Pham
• Alain Cuna, Children's Mercy HospitalFollow
• Sherwin S. Chan, Children's Mercy HospitalFollow
• Catalina Le Cacheux, Children's Mercy Kansas CityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-2026

Identifier

DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2026.07.007

Abstract

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the most common gastrointestinal emergencies in preterm infants and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in this population. Although NEC is localized to the bowel, there are serious associated systemic complications with significant morbidity and mortality. Historically, the diagnostic standard has been plain abdominal radiography. However, the availability of abdominal ultrasound has been emerging as a complementary diagnostic tool allowing for direct visualization of the bowel and abdominal cavity. This article reviews the roles of both modalities with particular emphasis on the complementary role of utilizing, standardizing, and integrating ultrasound for NEC diagnosis.

Journal Title

Clinics in perinatology

Volume

53

Issue

4

First Page

889

Last Page

907

MeSH Keywords

Humans; Enterocolitis, Necrotizing; Ultrasonography; Infant, Newborn; Radiography, Abdominal; Infant, Premature; Infant, Premature, Diseases; Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis

PubMed ID

42919498

Keywords

Abdominal radiography; Abdominal ultrasound; Artificial intelligence; Necrotizing enterocolitis; Pneumatosis intestinalis

Recommended Citation

Pham E, Cuna A, Chan SS, Le Cacheux C. Abdominal Radiograph and Abdominal Ultrasound for Necrotizing Enterocolitis Diagnosis and Management. Clin Perinatol. 2026;53(4):889-907. doi:10.1016/j.clp.2026.07.007