Supine and upright decubitus abdominal radiographs show distention of bowel loops with a paucity of gas or fecal material in the rectum. There is some frothy-appearing material in the bowel lumen in the right lower quadrant. The upright film demonstrates air fluid levels within the bowel lumen. No free intraperitoneal air, pneumatosis or portal venous air seen. No bowel wall thickening is evident.
Findings are consistent with low intestinal obstruction.
No intraluminal filling defects are identified. At surgery, two blind-ended loops of colon connected by a thin fibrous cord are identified at the location of the obstruction. Type II Colonic Atresia. The leading theory of etiology is ischemia secondary to thromboembolic disease emanating from the placenta. No sex predilection is seen.