Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Aim: To investigate the use of ultrasound in assessing children with acute abdominal conditions. Material and Methods: A total of 100 pediatric patients, aged below 14 years, who presented with acute abdominal discomfort in either the emergency department or pediatric outpatient department, had initial evaluation by clinical examination followed by ultrasound and X-ray. Children were chosen based on rigorous inclusion criteria. The research only included children who had sudden stomach discomfort and did not have a previous history of comparable symptoms. Results: Abdominal distention (59%), fever (56%) and vomiting (55%) was the most common associated symptoms with acute abdomen. Guarding and rigidity was present in 55% cases. The intestinal obstruction was most common cause (45%) of acute abdomen. Renal colic, pancreatitis and HSP were uncommon (1% each) cause. Appendicitis is present in 15% cases. Mesenteric lymphadenopathy is rare (only 4%) cause but in 25% cases causes were un-identified. The diagnostic accuracy of clinical evaluation is much higher (86.67% Vs 68.89%) as compare to USG evaluation, if both steps performed individually. But accuracy gradually increased (95.56%), if clinical evaluation and USG done simultaneously. If radiography also added in evaluation, diagnostic accuracy increased to 100%. In 25 (25%) cases etiological cause not established. Intestinal obstruction is the most common pathology in 45(45%) cases, appendicitis in 15 (15%) and intra-abdominal abscess in 08 (8%) cases. Conclusion: Ultrasonography plays a crucial function in examining a youngster with an acute abdomen. It should be regarded as the primary imaging technique. The findings of this research validate that ultrasonography is a generally precise, dependable, and expeditious screening technique for assessing the causes of acute abdomen, particularly those requiring surgery, in children.