Radiology, Vol 167, 721-723, Copyright © 1988 by Radiological Society of North America
Cow's milk protein/soy protein allergy: gastrointestinal imaging
DG Richards, S Somers, RM Issenman and GW Stevenson
Department of Radiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Positive radiologic findings were identified in the small and large bowels
in three infants with various gastrointestinal manifestations of cow's milk
protein/soy protein allergy, which was diagnosed on the basis of clinical
features and histologic findings. Small bowel findings were thickened
valvulae conniventes (plicae circulares), a ribbon-like ileum, and a
thickened bowel wall. Narrowing, thumbprinting, and spasm were seen in the
large bowel. These cases were seen at intervals far enough apart to exclude
an endemic infection. The diagnosis of food protein allergy should be
considered when diffuse small bowel disease or colitis is identified in an
infant.
