The authors describe radiologic findings in five patients with spontaneous perforation of the common bile duct (a rare disorder). The patients were 5 weeks, 9 weeks, 3 months, 11 months, and 2 1/2 years old at presentation. The most common presenting complaints were jaundice and abdominal distention (due to ascites). Sonographic findings included ascites in three patients, a loculated fluid collection around the gallbladder in two patients, and both in one patient. The biliary tree was undilated in all patients. Results of hepatobiliary scintigraphy definitely demonstrated that intraperitoneal fluid originated from the biliary tract. Intraoperative cholangiography was used to confirm the diagnosis at surgery. All children were successfully treated with surgery. Recognition of these findings on sonograms and subsequent confirmation with scintigraphy are important to prevent delays in diagnosis of a potentially fatal condition.

Pancreatic masses are uncommon lesions in the newborn infant. The authors present the first reported case of neonatal pancreatic hamartoma and describe its interesting clinical, histologic, and radiographic aspects.

The membership of the Society for Pediatric Radiology was surveyed to determine the safety and efficacy of the Foley catheter technique. Completed questionnaires were returned from 148 institutions. Sixty-four institutions reported that they were currently removing blunt esophageal foreign bodies utilizing the balloon catheter. Over 2500 patients were reported as having been treated utilizing this technique. Only one potentially serious but reversible complication was observed.

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