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Am J Perinatol 2018; 35(14): 1358-1365
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1655768
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy of the Neonatal Bowel: Novel, Bedside, Noninvasive, and Radiation-Free Imaging for Early Detection of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Suzanne Al-Hamad
1   Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland
,
David J. Hackam
2   Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland
,
Seth D. Goldstein
2   Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland
,
Thierry A. G. M. Huisman
3   Division of Pediatric Radiology and Pediatric Neuroradiology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland
,
Kassa Darge
4   Division of Radiology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
,
Misun Hwang
4   Division of Radiology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

22 February 2018

16 April 2018

Publication Date:
31 May 2018 (online)

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Abstract

Despite extensive research and improvements in the field of neonatal care, the morbidity and mortality associated with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) have remained unchanged over the past three decades. Early detection of ischemia and necrotic bowel is vital in improving morbidity and mortality associated with NEC; however, strategies for predicting and preventing NEC are lacking. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) are novel techniques in pediatrics that have been proven as safe modalities. CEUS has benefits over conventional ultrasound (US) by its improved real-time evaluation of the micro- and macrovascularities of normally and abnormally perfused tissue. US has been implemented as a useful adjunct to X-ray for earlier evaluation of NEC. NIRS is another noninvasive technique that has shown promise in improving early detection of NEC. The purpose of this article is to review the current understanding of changes in bowel perfusion in NEC, discuss the accuracy of abdominal US in detecting NEC, and explain how the use of CEUS and NIRS will enhance the precise and early detection of altered/pathological bowel wall perfusion in the initial development and course of NEC.

Keywords

contrast-enhanced ultrasound - CEUS - ultrasound - necrotizing enterocolitis - bowel perfusion - near-infrared spectroscopy - NIRS
 

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