[Abdominal masses in pediatric age; clinical aspects and diagnostic approach in 52 cases (author's transl)]

A large series of malignant and benign conditions are generally collected under the term of abdominal masses. Their common aspect is the lack, in most of the cases, of peculiar clinical features which may help early differential diagnosis. In many cases the mass is detected late after a long period of vague, aspecific symptoms. 40% of these space occupying lesions of the abdomen are of malignant origin and delayed detection and investigation affect clinical course. Preoperative study of abdominal masses is a problem of primary importance in pediatric surgical practice. A changing attitude is registered towards many diagnostic procedures and the role of largely diffused techniques like angiography is controversial. The introduction of ultrasonography makes in many cases intensive radiologic investigation unwarranted and academic. The Authors discuss the real role and targets of preoperative investigations of abdominal masses and refer on their experience based on 52 cases, to underline some clinical aspects and analyse their diagnostic approach to this pathology.