Ultrasound in diagnosis of alimentary tract duplications in children
The article presents analysis of diagnosis of alimentary tract duplications. Six cases of diagnosis and treatment of alimentary tract duplications were studied. Ultrasound was performed to all patients with intestine duplication of various segments. Five patterns of ultrasound images of the alimentary tract duplications and related complications were obtained: 1) the ultrasound signs of the abdominal cyst (n = 2, 33.4%); 2) the ultrasound signs of the abdominal cyst with intestinal obstruction (n = 1, 16.7%); 3) the ultrasound signs of intestinal obstruction (n = 1, 16.7%); 4) the ultrasound signs of peritonitis (n = 1, 16.7%); 5) the ultrasound signs of lesion looking similar to Meckel’s diverticulum (n = 1, 16.7%). The literature review on alimentary tract duplications and the difficulties of its preoperative diagnosis is presented. The absence of specific clinical picture of this developmental abnormality and its complications makes the preoperative diagnosis difficult. Ultrasound patterns varieties are associated with variety of this abnormality forms and localizations. Ultrasound patterns were discussed and summarized on our own experience and literature review.