[Diagnosis of acute abdominal pain in infants].

In front of infant and toddler presenting with unexplained cries, unusual behavior, and tachycardia, pain should be recognized, and signs and symptoms of shock and intestinal occlusion should be sought without any delay. Meningitis, pyelonephritis, and pneumonia must be taken into consideration in a young child with fever and irritability. In the presence of any paroxystic pain with refusal of feeding, one should consider acute intestinal occlusion, volvulus due to intestinal malrotation if associated with signs of shock, and volvulus related to postsurgical adhesions if history of abdominal surgery. Abdominal ultrasonography is the exam of choice in these cases. Examination of inguino-scrotal region is essential in order to rule-out inguinal hernia, ovarian hernia, and testicular torsion. Infant colic and peptic esophagitis are common causes of recurrent pain.