On the basis of 2‐dimensional fetal echocardiographic findings, we investigated 4 different fetal vascular ring cases using spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) combined with high‐definition (HD) flow imaging. An in‐depth 3‐dimensional perspective of aortic arch branching (ie, the brachiocephalic arteries) was created by application of glass body and HDlive flow rendering algorithms (GE Healthcare, Zipf, Austria). Additionally, complete (U‐ or O‐shaped) or incomplete (C‐shaped) vascular rings were clearly differentiated in utero, and articulations around the trachea and esophagus were more easily imaged. In conclusion, spatiotemporal image correlation combined with HD flow imaging could classify fetal vascular rings with accuracy and facilitate decision making during postnatal management.

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We report the case of a 6-y-old boy with actinomycosis, presenting as xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP), hepatic pseudotumor and abdominal abscess. Symptoms included intermittent fever, abdominal pain and significant weight loss. Hepatic and renal tumor masses were suspected on sonography and computerized tomography. XGP and actinomycosis were proven by pathology. The patient recovered well with antibiotic alone.

Most previous studies have shown that the digestive tract of the neonate is rapidly and heavily colonized in the first few days of life, but all the studies so far used either feces or rectal swabs to isolate and identify bacterial colonization. The exact timing of intestinal colonization is not yet certain. From a retrospective analysis of 24 neonates with intestinal perforation and a prospective study of 30 ill neonates aged less than 10 days who recieved intestinal-tract operations, we found that the incidence of bacterial growth from small-and large-bowel specimens was significantly lower within 48 h after birth and the intestinal tract was almost completely sterile within 24 h after delivery. Most of the bacteria were aerobic gram-negative bacilli, and the most common species was Escherichia coli. Although our results may not represent conditions in the normal neonate, knowledge of bowel colonization in such patients will be helpful for further management.

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