Ultrasound features of pediatric Crohn disease: a guide for case interpretation

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Medical Imaging
• Abdominal Diseases

Background:

• Crohn disease diagnosis in children often involves imaging.
• Ultrasound (US) is a non-invasive tool gaining traction for evaluating pediatric abdominal conditions.
• Familiarity with specific sonographic features is crucial for accurate Crohn disease assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a practical guide to the sonographic features of Crohn disease in children.
• To systematically outline intramural and extramural ultrasound findings.
• To enhance the interpretation of ultrasound in pediatric Crohn disease evaluations.

Main Methods:

• Review of characteristic ultrasound findings in pediatric Crohn disease.
• Systematic description of intramural and extramural sonographic features.
• Focus on practical interpretation for clinicians.

Main Results:

• Detailed description of specific ultrasound appearances associated with pediatric Crohn disease.
• Identification of key intramural changes (e.g., bowel wall thickening, stratification).
• Identification of key extramural findings (e.g., abscesses, fistulas).

Conclusions:

• Ultrasound demonstrates characteristic features in pediatric Crohn disease.
• Understanding these sonographic findings is essential for diagnosis and management.
• This primer serves as a practical reference for interpreting ultrasound in this population.