ABSTRACT
Plain radiography is often the first and most useful study in the evaluation of the surgical neonate. Radiographic examinations should be directed to achieving the required information with the minimum of handling or disturbance while maintaining the infant's body temperature and employing measures to limit radiation exposure. Developments in computerized digital fluoroscopy in recent years have resulted in the potential for a marked reduction in radiation exposure, more rapid performance of dynamic contrast studies, and greatly improved recorded images. In premature or severely ill babies, ultrasonographic (US) scans can be performed satisfactorily without removing the infants from their incubators. One of the most important contributions of US is in the diagnosis and grading of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Abdominal US is very frequently carried out in the newborn to diagnose or exclude renal disease. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to clarify complex malformations and to provide vital functional and prognostic information.
