Role of ultrasonography in pediatric infectious diseases

Infectious diseases remain a leading cause of pediatric consultations despite significant advances in their prevention and treatment. Clinical ultrasound has emerged as a valuable diagnostic tool in the pediatric setting due to its non-ionizing nature, the absence of need for sedation, its feasibility at the point of care, and its safety, reproducibility, and current availability. In this article, we review pediatric infectious conditions in which clinical ultrasound contributes significantly to diagnosis, follow-up, and clinical decision-making. This is a narrative review based on both the available evidence and clinical experience regarding the role of ultrasound in pediatric infectious pathology. Ultrasound is useful in the vast majority of pediatric infectious diseases, including respiratory infections (pneumonia, bronchiolitis), cutaneous and musculoskeletal infections (cellulitis, myositis, abscesses, osteomyelitis, arthritis), abdominal infections (appendicitis, mesenteric adenitis, intra-abdominal abscesses), urinary tract infections (pyelonephritis, renal abscess), cervical infections (adenitis, deep neck abscesses, parotitis), and genital infections (epididymitis, orchitis, scrotal abscesses). It allows the identification of characteristic findings in each condition, with good clinical and radiological correlation. Ultrasound also aids in drainage procedures, helps avoid unnecessary invasive interventions, and facilitates the monitoring of patient progress. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has become a key tool in the diagnosis, management, and follow-up of pediatric infections.