Abdominal manifestations of pediatric leukemias: sonographic assessment

The abdominal sonograms of 64 leukemic children were reviewed and correlated with clinical, hematological, and, when available, autopsy findings. Sonographic abnormalities including enlargement of the liver, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys, with or without alteration of parenchymal echo architecture, hydronephrosis, lymphadenopathy, and ascites were encountered in 70% of the patients. Ultrasound proved useful in detecting occult visceral leukemia and relapse, monitoring tumor response to chemotherapy, and assessing the complications of chemotherapy. Ultrasound is recommended for the routine evaluation and follow-up of the pediatric leukemic patient.