39. Usefulness of ultrasound diagnostics in infants and children.

Page created on February 23, 2022. Not updated since.

Introduction

Ultrasound is radiation-free and is therefore often used in paediatrics, where radiation is always kept to a minimum.

Cranial ultrasound

In neonates, ultrasound can be used to visualise the brain, as the skull hasn’t closed completely yet. It can be used to look for:

  • Ventricular dilatation/hydrocephalus
  • Intracranial haemorrhage
  • Cerebral anomaly

Chest ultrasound

  • Echocardiography -> congenital heart disease, heart failure
  • Pneumothorax
  • Ultrasound-guided placement of chest drain

Abdominal ultrasound

  • Abdominal tumour
  • Acute appendicitis
  • Pyloric stenosis
  • Intussusception
  • Assessment of urinary tract, kidney -> obstruction, stone, renal cyst/mass
  • Biliary atresia
  • Assessment of liver -> cirrhosis
  • Ovaries, uterus -> for assessing progress of puberty

Musculoskeletal ultrasound

  • Developmental dysplasia of the hip
  • Arthritis
  • Ultrasound-guided joint aspiration
  • Osteomyelitis

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