Role of Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) in the Paediatric Population with Blunt Abdominal Trauma: A Prospective Study from a Single Center Experience for Paediatric Blunt Abdominal Trauma

Maedica (Bucur). 2022 Mar;17(1):44-51. doi: 10.26574/maedica.2022.17.1.44.

Abstract

Aim:The aim of our study is to evaluate the diagnostic ability of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in pediatric population with history of blunt abdominal trauma (BAT). Materials and methods: In an eight-year period (1/2012-1/2020), fifty-nine children (4-14 years old) were transferred to the Emergency Department with referred BAT. The initial imaging method was ultrasound scan (US). Thirty-two children were discharged in good condition 24 hours after their admission. The remaining 27, who had moderate to severe injuries and according to their laboratory tests and US results, were evaluated with CEUS and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT). Results:Five children were confirmed with splenic injury, two with liver lacerations, one with liver lacerations and right kidney contusion, while in nineteen, no visceral pathology was found by US, CEUS and CECT. The CEUS and CECT were in complete agreement. On the contrary, unenhanced-US showed free peritoneal fluid in eleven children and possible parenchymal lesions in two children. In two of the patients with negative US-study, splenic contusions in CECT and CEUS were revealed. The CEUS study was also used as a follow-up method. Among the 27 patients, there were no adverse reactions from the CEUS contrast agent either at one-week and six-month follow-up, or after one-year period. Conclusion:Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography is an effective, easily performed, low cost and radiation free imaging method. It is ideal for both initial and follow up evaluation of trauma and thus, we encourage its usage in paediatric BAT cases.

Publication types

  • Editorial