Pediatric Abdomen Ultrasound

Clinical ultrasound is an accessible and feasible diagnostic test at the point of patient care that for a relatively short time has been spreading in the different areas of assistance to pediatric patients.

An abdominal ultrasound may be done to evaluate the size and appearance of:
-The appendix
- The stomach / pylorus
- The liver
- Gallbladder
- The spleen
- The pancreas
- The intestines
- The kidneys
- The bladder
- The testicles
- The ovaries
- The uterus

Abdominal ultrasound can also:
- Help determine the origin of abdominal pain, such as gallstones, kidney stones, abscesses or an inflamed appendix due to appendicitis
- Help detect the presence and causes of an apparently enlarged abdominal organ
- Identify the location of abnormal fluids in the abdomen
- Help determine the causes of vomiting in young children

Doppler ultrasound images can help the doctor see and evaluate:
- Blockages in blood flow (such as clots)
- Narrowing of blood vessels
- Congenital vascular tumors or malformations
- Reduced or absent blood flow in various organs such as the testes and ovaries
- Increased blood flow. which may indicate the presence of an infection.

Doppler ultrasound can also help the doctor evaluate for abnormal twisting (twisting) of a testicle or ovary. Torsion can limit adequate blood flow into the testicle or ovary, resulting in abdominal or scrotal pain.

Since ultrasound provides real-time images, doctors can use it to guide procedures such as aspiration biopsy. Biopsies use needles to remove tissue samples for laboratory analysis. Ultrasound can also be used to guide the insertion of a catheter or other drainage device. This helps ensure safe and accurate placement.