Diagnostic imaging in necrotizing enterocolitis.

The incidence and diagnostic value of roentgenographic and sonographic signs in necrotizing enterocolitis are presented. The current status in clinical application of Duplex-Doppler sonography and colour-coded Doppler sonography are discussed and a description of the different roentgenographic and sonographic signs including Doppler sonographic findings is given. Radiographic and sonographic indications for surgical treatment are proposed. The role of the different diagnostic imaging modalities in the early diagnosis and evaluation of progress in NEC is defined and a diagnostic algorithm for different stages depending on the severity of the disease is proposed. Routine application of sonography in such an algorithm can improve diagnostic accuracy in necrotizing enterocolitis.