Non-visualization of the ovaries on pediatric transabdominal ultrasound with a non-distended bladder: Can adnexal torsion be excluded?

Development of a Pediatric Age-Based and Weight-Adjusted Nomogram for Bladder Volumes Associated With Successful Completion of Transabdominal Pelvic Ultrasound

OBJECTIVE

To develop a nomogram for pediatric bladder volumes associated with the successful completion of transabdominal pelvic ultrasound (TPU) in female pediatric patients presenting with lower abdominal and/or pelvic pain in the emergency department. This study hypothesizes that the target bladder volumes for successful TPU vary by age and weight.

METHODS

We retrospectively calculated bladder volumes on all successful transabdominal pelvic ultrasound studies during a 2-year period for patients 8 to 18 years old by ellipsoid bladder volume formula using the largest cross-sectional areas captured on transverse and longitudinal cine clips. Measurements were collected by 2 study personnel with initial measurements validated by a pediatric radiologist. Bladder volume by age and weight percentile groups were descriptively analyzed, and a quantile regression model was used to regress bladder volume on age adjusting for patient weight.

RESULTS

We analyzed bladder volumes from 1030 successful transabdominal pelvic ultrasound studies. The greatest drop in median volume was seen amongst non-overweight children in younger age groups. Nomogram bladder volumes for transabdominal pelvic ultrasound increase consistently with age and weight until approximately 13 years old and 60 kg, respectively, with minimal change thereafter in patients 13 to 18 years old.

CONCLUSIONS

We provide a pediatric age-based and weight-adjusted nomogram for bladder volumes associated with successful transabdominal pelvic ultrasound imaging. Further evaluation of its use is warranted to decrease inefficiency in bladder filling prior to TPU completion and improve timeliness in diagnosing pelvic emergencies.

Imaging of Right Lower Quadrant Pain in Children and Adolescents: AJR Expert Panel Narrative Review

Right lower quadrant (RLQ) pain is a common clinical presentation in children, and accurate clinical diagnosis remains challenging given that this nonspecific presentation is associated with numerous surgical and nonsurgical conditions. The broad differential diagnosis varies by patient age and sex. Important considerations in the selection of a diagnostic imaging strategy include the sequencing, performance, and cost of tests. This article provides a comprehensive narrative review of the diagnostic imaging of RLQ pain in children and adolescents, including a discussion of the complementary roles of ultrasound, CT, and MRI; description of key imaging findings based on available evidence; and presentation of salient differential diagnoses. Subspecialized pediatric emergency medicine and surgical perspectives are also provided as further clinical insight into this common, but often challenging, scenario. Finally, the current status of imaging of RLQ pain in children and adolescents is summarized on the basis of expert consensus.

Diagnosis and Management of Pediatric Ovarian Torsion in the Emergency Department: Current Insights

Ovarian torsion is defined as twisting of the ovary around an axis consisting of its vascular pedicle, the infundibulopelvic ligament and the tubo-ovarian ligament, and can occur in females of any age. Torsion can be a result of ovarian mass causing asymmetry and subsequent torsion, or can be spontaneous. While ovarian torsion is a surgical emergency, early diagnosis and treatment can preserve ovarian viability even if necrosis is seen operatively. Presentation classically involves sudden onset severe abdominal pain and vomiting but diagnostic delay can follow subtler presentations. Diagnosis is most commonly based on sonographic findings, but advanced imaging such as CT or MRI may be required if sonography is not diagnostic. Treatment is surgical, with ovarian preservation preferred in almost all cases. In this review, I present the most recent evidence on epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of pediatric ovarian torsion, with a focus on point-of-care ultrasound for the emergency care provider.