[The small left colon in newborn infants].

We describe 4 patients with a neonatal small left colon. From these cases and from the literature we know that in 40 to 50% the mother has diabetes mellitus. We describe the differential diagnosis with morbus Hirschsprung, meconium plug and the occurrence of a microcolon in atresias and meconium ileus. Three of the four patients were prematures. From the literature we know this abnormality is found mostly in term infants.