Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) Exam: Image Acquisition
07:18

Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) Exam: Image Acquisition

Published on: September 22, 2023

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the free intraperitoneal fluid in asymptomatic children

Natalia Simanovsky1, Nurith Hiller, Natalia Lubashevsky

  • 1Department of Medical Imaging, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University Medical Center, P.O.B. 12000, Kiryat Hadassah, Jerusalem, Israel. natalias@hadassah.org.il

Pediatric Radiology
|December 25, 2010
PubMed

Insights

A small amount of free intraperitoneal fluid (less than 1 ml) in the pelvis of asymptomatic children is likely insignificant. This finding is common and does not indicate serious abdominal issues.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Radiology
  • Abdominal Imaging
  • Ultrasound Diagnostics

Background:

  • Free intraperitoneal fluid is a nonspecific sign in children with abdominal pain, potentially indicating inflammation or trauma.
  • A minimal amount of free fluid is considered normal in the peritoneal cavity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence, location, and volume of free fluid in the abdomen and pelvis of asymptomatic children.
  • To establish a baseline for normal free fluid findings in pediatric populations.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective sonography of the abdomen and pelvis in 200 asymptomatic children (ages 6 days-15 years).
  • Exclusion of patients with conditions causing fluid accumulation and postpubertal girls.
  • Evaluation by experienced pediatric radiologists using high-resolution transducers.

Main Results:

  • Free intraperitoneal fluid was detected in 6% (12 children) of the asymptomatic cohort.
  • Fluid was exclusively observed in the pelvic region.
  • The volume of detected fluid did not exceed 1 ml in any case.

Conclusions:

  • The presence of 1 ml or less of free intraperitoneal fluid in the pediatric pelvis is likely insignificant.
  • This finding can help differentiate normal variations from pathological conditions in pediatric abdominal imaging.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Implementation of Non-invasive Point of Care Transient Elastography for Evaluation of Liver Disease in Pediatric Populations with Cystic Fibrosis05:56

Implementation of Non-invasive Point of Care Transient Elastography for Evaluation of Liver Disease in Pediatric Populations with Cystic Fibrosis

Published on: August 29, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography01:24

Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography

IntroductionUltrasonography, or renal ultrasound, is a noninvasive medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and surrounding tissues.Indications for Urinary System UltrasonographyUrinary system ultrasonography is indicated in various clinical scenarios, such as:Kidney Stones (Urolithiasis): To detect and monitor the size and presence of kidney or urinary tract stones.Hydronephrosis: To assess the dilation of the renal pelvis and...
Urodynamic Studies: Uroflowmetry01:19

Urodynamic Studies: Uroflowmetry

Uroflowmetry is a non-invasive urodynamic test designed to measure various aspects of urination, including volume, flow rate, and the time to void. This test is crucial for diagnosing and assessing conditions such as bladder outlet obstruction, bladder dysfunction, incomplete bladder emptying, incontinence, and urinary tract blockages caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and urethral strictures.Pre-Test Instructions:Before a uroflowmetry test, patients are typically advised to drink...
Assessment of the Abdomen II: Percussion01:18

Assessment of the Abdomen II: Percussion

Percussion is a fundamental technique used to assess the liver, spleen, and abdominal organs by tapping the abdomen and interpreting the resulting sounds. This method helps identify fluid, distention, and masses through variations in sound, such as the high-pitched tympany of air-filled areas and the dullness of solid masses. Understanding how to percuss these organs provides valuable information for healthcare professionals in diagnosing conditions early.
Percussion
Percussion is an essential...
Ultrasound II: Endoscopic Ultrasound and FibroScan01:25

Ultrasound II: Endoscopic Ultrasound and FibroScan

Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) and FibroScan are valuable diagnostic tools in gastroenterology and hepatology, each with specific applications and techniques.
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS):
Ultrasonography01:17

Ultrasonography

Ultrasonography is an imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize the body's internal structures. It is a non-invasive and safe procedure that does not involve the use of ionizing radiation, making it widely used in various medical fields. Ultrasonography is used to study heart function, blood flow in the neck or extremities, certain conditions such as gallbladder disease, and fetal growth and development.
During an ultrasonography procedure, a handheld device called a...
Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation01:25

Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation

Introduction
The abdominal examination is a cornerstone of clinical medicine, serving as a critical tool in diagnosing various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. It involves a systematic approach that includes inspection and auscultation, each with distinct yet complementary roles in assessing the abdomen. This article will delve into these two primary methods healthcare professionals use to examine the abdomen.
Inspection of the Abdomen
The first step in any abdominal examination is inspection.