Amplitude-coded color doppler ultrasonography in pediatrics

Abstract

The goal of this study was to evaluate the use of amplitude coded colour Doppler sonography (aCDS) in infants and children. We analysed our own experiences in 270 patients (mean age: 6.3 years, range: newborn--16 years) with various paediatric aCDS applications. The aCDS results of 460 individual investigations were correlated with conventional CDS results, clinical findings and the results of other imaging modalities. Additionally, relevant literature is reviewed and discussed. ACDS is a valuable tool in paediatric sonography. It enriches the diagnostic field of ultrasound, particularly in regard to renal, abdominal, oncological and small part applications. ACDS could successfully be performed in 92.4% of investigations. Overall accuracy was 86.6% (in regard to the total number), sensitivity was 92% (calculated for the number of successful investigations), additional diagnostic information was gained in 18.6% to 48% of patients--depending on the field of application. ACDS is applicable to the majority of infants and children, in spite of the risk of motion artefacts. It is a valuable addition to conventional paediatric ultrasound and colour Doppler sonography. In conjunction with new modalities like three-dimensional sonography, harmonic imaging and ultrasound contrast agents it promises to continuously widen sonographic diagnostic potential.