Microcolon in Neonates: Clinical and Radiographic Appearance

Microcolon (unused colon) is not a common problem in neonates. Radiographic contrast medium enema shows a small caliber colon. This report concerns 12 neonates with microcolon, all identified between January 1995 and June 1997 by contrast medium colon study. Gestational ages were between 28 to 38 weeks and birth body weight between 1,400 to 3,100 grams. Six neonates had jejunal atresia (50%), three ileal atresia (25%), two total colonic aganglionosis (17%), and one meconium ileus (8%), all proven by surgery or intestinal biopsy. The plain film and contrast medium enema presented some characteristic features are described. The major clinical findings including bilious vomiting in jejunal atresia, abdominal distention mainly in distal ileal atresia, total colonic aganglionosis and meconium ileus. Eight neonates (67%) did not pass meconium. The outcome of microcolon depends on its underlying disease or congenital anomaly. (Clinical Neonatology 1998;5(1): 14-18)