[Value of ultrasound in diagnosis of celiac disease].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the potential benefits of sonographic assessment in the diagnostic work-up of children suspected of having coeliac disease.


METHODS
39 infants with biopsy-proven coeliac disease were evaluated by sonographic assessment. Ten of them had presented with unusual clinical features such as acute abdomen and underwent sonography as the first diagnostic procedure.


RESULTS
Various sonographic anomalies were observed: abdominal fluid in 76%, hyperperistalsis in 82%, pericardial effusion in 47% and unusual appearance of the small bowel wall in 94%.


CONCLUSIONS
Although sonography cannot replace intestinal biopsy, awareness of the sonographic anomalies associated with coeliac disease in children can lead to a quicker diagnosis and prompt introduction of adequate therapy. It should be performed as a part of the diagnostic workup in infants who fail to thrive.
Riccabona
M
M
Abteilung der Kinderradiologie, ZRI - Univ.-Klinik für Radiologie, LKH Graz.
Rossipal
E
E
D000006:Abdomen, Acute / Q000209:etiology; D001706:Biopsy; D002446:Celiac Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D014463:Ultrasonography
Bedeutung der Sonographie in der Diagnostik der Zöliakie.