Abdominal emergencies in pediatrics

• Published in: Radiologia Vol. 58 Suppl 2; p. 80
• Main Authors: Coca Robinot, D, Liébana de Rojas, C, Aguirre Pascual, E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Spanish
• Published: Spain 01.05.2016
• Subjects: Abdomen, Acute - diagnostic imaging; Adolescent; Appendicitis - diagnostic imaging; Child; Child, Preschool; Emergencies; Female; Genital Diseases, Female - diagnostic imaging; Humans; Infant; Intestinal Obstruction - diagnostic imaging; Intussusception - diagnostic imaging; Male; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Ultrasonography; Urologic Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Acute appendicitis; Invaginación; Intussusception; Divertículo de Meckel; Abdominal pain in children; Acute abdomen; Abdomen agudo; Meckel's diverticulum; Apendicitis aguda; Dolor abdominal pediátrico
• ISSN: 1578-178X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rx.2016.02.003

Abdominal symptoms are among the most common reasons for pediatric emergency department visits, and abdominal pain is the most frequently reported symptom. Thorough history taking and physical examination can often reach the correct diagnosis. Knowing the abdominal conditions that are most common in each age group can help radiologists narrow the differential diagnosis. When imaging tests are indicated, ultrasonography is usually the first-line technique, enabling the diagnosis or adding relevant information with the well-known advantages of this technique. Nowadays, plain-film X-ray studies are reserved for cases in which perforation, bowel obstruction, or foreign body ingestion is suspected. It is also important to remember that abdominal pain can also occur secondary to basal pneumonia. CT is reserved for specific indications and in individual cases, for example, in patients with high clinical suspicion of abdominal disease and inconclusive findings at ultrasonography. We review some of the most common conditions in pediatric emergencies, the different imaging tests indicated in each case, and the imaging signs in each condition.