Ultrasound in abdominal injury in children.

Ultrasonography has been used as an investigation in children with abdominal signs after blunt injury. Sixteen children were examined, of whom nine had abnormal findings. Free intraperitoneal fluid was demonstrated in four cases. The injuries found are detailed and subsequent management of the patients is described. The children with normal scans settled with no sequelae. It is suggested that ultrasonography offers a valuable, non-invasive method of investigating blunt abdominal injury.