Ultrasound for the Early Detection and Diagnosis of Necrotizing Enterocolitis: A Scoping Review of Emerging Evidence.

Background

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe gastrointestinal disease and a major cause of morbidity and mortality among preterm infants. Traditional diagnostic methods such as abdominal radiography have limited sensitivity in early disease stages, prompting interest in bowel ultrasound (BUS) as a complementary imaging modality.

Objective

This scoping review aims to synthesize existing literature on the role of ultra sound in the early detection, diagnosis, and management of NEC, with emphasis on its diagnostic performance, integration into clinical care, and technological innovations.

Methods

Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar for studies published between January 2000 and December 2025. Inclusion criteria encompassed original research, reviews, and clinical studies evaluating the use of bowel, intestinal, or Doppler ultrasound in neonates with suspected or confirmed NEC. Data were extracted, categorized by study design, population characteristics, ultrasound features, and diagnostic outcomes, and qualitatively synthesized.

Results

A total of 101 studies were included. BUS demonstrated superior sensitivity over radiography in detecting early features of NEC, including bowel wall thickening, portal venous gas, and altered peristalsis. Doppler ultrasound, both antenatal and postnatal, was effective in identifying perfusion deficits predictive of NEC onset. Neonatologist-performed ultrasound (NEOBUS) showed high interobserver agreement when standardized protocols were used. Emerging tools such as ultra-high-frequency ultrasound (UHFUS) and artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced analysis hold potential to improve diagnostic precision. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) appears feasible in resource-limited settings, though implementation barriers remain.

Conclusions

Bowel ultrasound is a valuable adjunct to conventional imaging in NEC diagnosis. Standardized protocols, validation of advanced technologies, and out come-based studies are essential to guide its broader clinical adoption.