Contrast-enhanced ultrasound of the pediatric bowel

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Radiology
• Gastrointestinal Imaging
• Ultrasound Technology

Background:

• Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is an established imaging modality for evaluating bowel perfusion in both adults and children.
• CEUS allows for visualization of the bowel wall and mesentery, aiding in the assessment of perfusion in healthy and diseased states.
• Quantitative analysis of contrast kinetics in CEUS provides objective measurements of bowel wall enhancement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current applications and experience of CEUS in pediatric bowel imaging.
• To emphasize the use of CEUS in evaluating pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by extrapolating from adult studies.
• To discuss emerging roles of CEUS as an adjunct tool for assessing bowel perfusion.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and clinical experience with CEUS for pediatric bowel evaluation.
• Focus on established applications in inflammatory bowel disease and emerging uses for other pediatric gastrointestinal conditions.
• Extrapolation of knowledge from adult CEUS studies to the pediatric population.

Main Results:

• CEUS is effective for visualizing pediatric bowel perfusion and assessing enhancement patterns.
• Established utility in managing inflammatory bowel disease and monitoring treatment response in children.
• Growing evidence for CEUS in evaluating conditions like necrotizing enterocolitis, intussusception, and appendicitis, though experience is more limited.

Conclusions:

• CEUS is a valuable tool for pediatric bowel imaging, particularly for inflammatory bowel disease.
• Quantitative CEUS analysis offers objective assessment of bowel perfusion and enhancement.
• CEUS shows promise as an adjunct and problem-solving modality for various pediatric bowel conditions.