Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Nontraumatic Gastrointestinal Emergencies in Children

Abstract

Acute, nontraumatic gastrointestinal pathologies are commonly encountered in the pediatric emergency department. They often pose a diagnostic dilemma with an assemblage of various etiologies, depending on the age and clinical features. Despite the advent of computed tomography, various issues pertinent to children make ultrasonography (USG) the initial imaging modality of choice in investigating acute gastrointestinal pathologies. This article discusses the ultrasonographic approach to acute gastrointestinal pathologies in children, and how sonography is instrumental in guiding diagnosis and treatment. Characteristic USG findings of common pediatric gastrointestinal emergencies—including acute appendicitis, intussusception, Meckel's diverticulitis, midgut volvulus, bowel perforation, and abdominal tuberculosis—are illustrated in this pictorial review.