Sonography in the infant with acute abdominal symptoms

The sonogram is a reliable diagnostic tool in the evaluation of acute abdominal disorders in infants and children. Portability, noninvasiveness, and ease of examination make sonography an invaluable diagnostic method. This article considers the principle acute disorders of infancy and childhood that are minimal to sonographic diagnosis. Included are pyloric stenosis, appendicitis, necrotizing enterocolitis, intussusception, as well as unexplained abdominal distention and acutely presenting masses. Although some of these entities have nonspecific sonographic appearances, consideration of age, symptoms, and laboratory results usually permits a specific diagnosis.