[The value of imaging techniques in the diagnosis of non-specific abdominal pain in young patients].

In a retrospective study the use of imaging modalities in the diagnosis of non-specific abdominal pain in patients under 31 years was evaluated. 253 patients with primarily non-specific abdominal complaints were analysed. For further investigation one of the following methods had to be applied: abdominal sonography and/or upper gastrointestinal tract roentgenograms and/or enteroclysis and/or barium enema. In 66% (167/253) of all cases abdominal pain remained non-specific. Clinical history and physical examination led to the final diagnosis in 66/86 (76.7%) of patients with pathologic findings. 21/561 (3.7%) radiographic examinations revealed abnormalities of clinical importance. In 10/253 (4%) patients the final diagnosis could be established only with the help of radiologic and/or endoscopic examinations. The low efficacy of conventional radiology justifies the demand for a stricter indication in the young patient suffering from non-specific abdominal pain.