Pediatric Ultrasound is an excellent tool for evaluating the abdominal organs and blood vessels in children. An abdominal ultrasound can provide ultrasound images of the same structures in children as it can in adults including the liver, kidneys, bladder, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, intestines, testicles, ovaries and uterus.
In addition, pediatric abdominal ultrasound is used to evaluate appendicitis, a common cause of emergency room visits in children. Gallstones, kidney stones, abscesses, distension and the presence of abnormal abdominal fluid can all be assessed with pediatric ultrasound. As is the case with adult ultrasound, blood supply and vascular issues can also be diagnosed.
Limitations of Pediatric Ultrasound
The same limits apply to pediatric abdominal ultrasound as is the case in adults. Ultrasound transmission is interrupted when it encounters air or gas in an organ. The bowel and any organs hidden by the bowel will therefore need to be assessed using alternate testing methods. Children who are large and possess greater amounts of tissue surrounding deep abdominal structures will be more difficult to scan because the sound wave abates as it passes through the extra tissue.