The distended neonate

A prospective study, followed by a retrospective audit, was made of the radiographs and clinical features of 225 consecutive neonates with abdominal distension presenting during a period of 4 years. More than one major cause for the distension was found in a third of cases. Excluding cases of ano-rectal atresia, diagnostic difficulties were encountered in 31% of cases and, occasionally, the diagnosis was revised several times as investigations...