[UL-scanning of children with recurrent abdominal pain--a diagnostic gain?]

The medical records were reviewed for 109 children (0-15 years) who were investigated by abdominal ultrasonography as part of the evaluation of recurrent abdominal pain. We characterised this group of children in an attempt to localise the characteristics that would predict abnormal findings by abdominal ultrasonography. We conclude that neither location, frequency or duration of pain, nor sex nor age have any predictive value. All abnormal findings seen by abdominal ultrasonography could have been revealed by a carefully taken history, thorough clinical examination and commonly performed laboratory tests, such as urine analysis. We recommend that abdominal ultrasonography should only be used in the evaluation of recurrent abdominal pain in children if there are other characteristics, such as a history of cystitis.