Efficacy of ultrasound as a primary mode of investigation in the diagnosis of non-traumatic acute abdomen in pediatrics patients

Abstract

Background: The role of diagnostic imaging is to determine whether the condition is medically or surgically treatable and, if possible, to diagnose the exact nature of the disease. Chest radiography is also commonly used to demonstrate extra-abdominal causes of acute abdominal pain, such as pneumonia. Ultrasonography is the initial choice of investigation that is likely useful to conclude for the following reasons, namely, it is relatively inexpensive, lack of radiation exposure, less time-consuming, easy, painless, and rarely requiring sedation. Usually, no preparation is required except in a few cases. It is also the preferred imaging tool for evaluating the surgical and non-surgical causes of acute abdomen in children. Ultrasound is also the preferred screening method for children suspected of having intra-abdominal mass. Aim and Objective: The present study is undertaken: (1) To identify specific causes of non-traumatic acute abdominal (NTA) pain in children; (2) to adopt the diagnostic efficacy of sonography as an initial tool for assessing those patients with probable clinical diagnosis; and (3) to triage patients for conservative or immediate surgery with available clinical diagnostic methods. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of 100 pediatric patients aged between 1 and 14 years of both sexes with a history of non-traumatic acute abdomen attending outpatient services, in-patient, and emergency department at the Chamarajanagar Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS) was conducted between March 2016 and March 2018 (for 2 years) for sonography. Results: Among 100 individuals, we had males followed by females (53%; 47%). The most common clinical symptoms of children with NTA were pain. Other symptoms included vomiting (66.7%; 15%), fever (68.5%; 31.6%), diarrhea (40%; 60%), cough (50%; 50%), and constipation (1%; 1%). The maximum number of cases in the group was >5 years–14 years. The most common sonography findings in this study were non-specific mesenteric lymphadenitis 49.4%, appendicitis (18.7%), intussusception, and cystitis (6.7%). followed by renal hydronephrosis (5.3%). Conclusion: Sonography, along with the associated clinical features, is a valuable adjuvant for a probable diagnosis. Other investigations such as laboratory findings, contrast-enhanced CT scan as indicated by the patient’s condition and requirement can be supported. This is particularly important in C-grade locations where other higher modes of investigation may not be available.