Is ultrasound useful for evaluating paediatric inflammatory neck masses?
OBJECTIVE
To determine the accuracy of ultrasound in detecting the presence of pus in a neck mass in children.


METHODS
Retrospective case sheet review.


METHODS
A district general hospital.


METHODS
Children admitted from January 2000 to January 2004 with an acute cervical mass who were investigated by ultrasonography.


METHODS
The presence of a clinically relevant abscess that did not respond to clinical management was used to determine the accuracy of the ultrasound result.


RESULTS
The sensitivity of ultrasound in the detection of an abscess was 65% and the specificity 88%. The predictive value of a positive ultrasound result was 81% and the predictive value of a negative test 77%.


CONCLUSIONS
Ultrasound is a useful modality in the evaluation of acute cervical masses but is observer dependent and has a relatively low sensitivity in detecting whether or not pus is present. The clinical indicators for the presence of an abscess are discussed and clinicians should combine clinical findings with the ultrasound findings in order to determine treatment.
Douglas
S A
SA
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, Derby, UK. susanadouglas@aol.com
Jennings
S
S
Owen
V M F
VM
Elliott
S
S
Parker
D
D
D000038:Abscess / Q000097:blood / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004322:Drainage; D005260:Female; D005334:Fever / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D006940:Hyperemia / Q000503:physiopathology; D007223:Infant; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008199:Lymphadenitis / Q000097:blood / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D009333:Neck / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D015588:Observer Variation; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013492:Suppuration; D013997:Time Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography