Use of abdominal and pelvic ultrasound in the evaluation of chronic abdominal pain.
The value of sonography in assessing chronic abdominal pain (CAP) in children, the characteristics of CAP, and the local pediatrician's practice in evaluating CAP are reported. Fifty-seven patients with CAP had abdominal and/or pelvic sonography; 56 were normal. One sonogram showed an ovarian cyst on the side opposite the CAP; the cyst later resolved. Pain was usually localized in the periumbilical area (56%). Follow-up data were obtained from referring physicians and patients' medical records. No serious diagnosis related to CAP was missed. After six months, CAP had resolved in 43% of patients. Of the responding physicians, 61% indicated they would have used more and costlier contrast studies if ultrasonography had been unavailable.
Schmidt
R E
RE
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Ohio 45229-2899.
Babcock
D S
DS
Farrell
M K
MK
D000005:Abdomen / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010388:Pelvis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography