Purpose or Case Report: To review common and uncommon congenital lesions affecting the lower gastrointestinal tract in children.
To illustrate the radiologic features of these conditions using various imaging techniques.
To provide tips to avoid potential diagnostic errors.
Methods & Materials: Congenital abnormalities of the lower gastrointestinal tract (GI) are relatively common in children and present in a wide range of clinical settings. In most patients, the clinical symptoms appear at birth, whereas in others, the manifestations appear later. They may be an incidental finding or present with an acute onset in neonates, infants, older children, and even in adults.

Radiological examination is essential to suggest the diagnosis. Although abdominal radiography and contrast gastrointestinal examination can provide the diagnosis, imaging features may be challenging. Exquisite ultrasonography technique, Computed Tomography CT and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be helpful in selected cases.


Results: The clinical presentation, imaging features, and diagnostic approach for congenital lower GI tract abnormalities are discussed. Associated abnormalities are reviewed.
Conclusions: Radiologists have an important role in the diagnosis of congenital upper gastrointestinal tract abnormalities, although the imaging features may be challenging.
Awareness of these common and uncommon abnormalities and its associations will guide radiological investigation and lead to an accurate diagnosis, which may be crucial for prompt, adequate treatment of conditions that are life-threatening in some cases.