Role of Ultrasound in the Assessment of Pediatric Non-Traumatic Gastrointestinal Emergencies

Abstract

Background: Non-traumatic gastrointestinal emergencies in the children and neonatal patients and the presenting characteristics ultrasound features on the longitudinal and axial axes are a dilemma for the radiologist in the emergency room. The most frequent emergencies are appendicitis, intussusceptions, hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, and volvulus due to intestinal malrotation. Objectives: this work aimed to assess the role of ultrasound in the assessment of pediatric non-traumatic gastrointestinal emergencies. Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 205 ultrasound examinations performed for neonatal and children patients with fever, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea were evaluated. Results: Of 205 cases, 19 cases of intussusceptions, 49 cases of appendicitis, 2 cases associated with abscess, 1 gangrenous appendicitis with absence a color Doppler, 30 cases of perforated appendicitis and 3 cases of volvulus were found. Conclusions: Acute abdominal pain is one of the most common complaints in childhood, and one that frequently requires rapid diagnosis and treatment in the emergency department. Although acute abdominal pain is typically self-limiting and benign, there are potentially life-threatening conditions that require urgent management, such as appendicitis, intussusception, or bowel obstruction. Meticulous history taking and repeated physical examinations are essential to determine the cause of acute abdominal pain and to identify children with surgical conditions.