Role of Ultrasonography in Diagnosis of Pediatric Bowel Diseases

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Radiodiagnosis Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University

2 Lecturer of Radiodiagnosis Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University

10.21608/ejhm.2025.432608.1855

Abstract

Background: While conventional radiography remains a diagnostic option for pediatric intestinal disorders, non-invasive ultrasonography (US) provides a quick, dynamic, and radiation-free alternative. US is favored for its safety, reproducibility, and minimal need for anesthesia. Objective: was to outline the ultrasonographic criteria of different bowel diseases in pediatric age group and emphasize their role in evaluation of patients.
Patients and Methods: 31 children with clinically suspected bowel disease (18 males and 13 females; ages ranging from birth to 18 years) were recruited from the emergency rooms of Menoufia University and Al-Ahrar Teaching Hospitals for this prospective study (April 2023–December 2024). Standardized laboratory work-up, abdominal ultrasonography using linear and convex probes, and Doppler interrogation were performed on all patients. Surgery (22 patients), endoscopy, and histopathology (5 individuals) were used to reach final diagnosis.
Results: Among 31 patients, vomiting (77.4%) and abdominal pain (58.1%) were the most common symptoms. Ultrasonography mainly detected appendicitis (41.9%) and intussusception (16.1%). Final diagnoses were confirmed in 27 patients, with appendicitis being most frequent (40.7%). Ultrasound showed 100% sensitivity, 50% specificity, and 93.5% overall accuracy.
Conclusion: US is an exceptional, non-invasive first-line imaging method for children with gastrointestinal diseases, eliminating the disadvantage of ionizing radiation. It provides repeatable diagnosis and follow-up for a variety of disorders, notwithstanding the need for operator dependence.

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