[Neonatal small left colon syndrome (author's transl)].

The article reports on the newborn of a diabetic mother. Intestinal obstruction (subileus) occurred in the infant as a result of a neonatal small left colon syndrome. Diagnosis was established by radiological examination. Contrast enema with Gastrografin resulted in a permanent curative effect. Follow-up studies showed normalisation of the colonic lumen demonstrating the functional character of the disturbance. The etiology of the syndrome has not yet been clarified. It appears to be of differential diagnostic importance to make a clear distinction between this syndrome and Hirschsprung's disease (congenital megacolon) in newborn, because this involves a different therapy.