Faculty, Staff and Student Publications
Publication Date
2-1-2025
Journal
Pediatric Radiology
Abstract
Background: Blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) is a significant contributor to pediatric mortality, often causing liver and spleen injuries. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT), the gold standard for diagnosing solid organ injury, poses radiation risks to children. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) may be a promising alternative imaging modality.
Objectives: To evaluate the diagnostic utility of CEUS for detecting solid organ injuries following BAT in the pediatric population.
Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted through a thorough literature search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases up to October 1, 2023. Diagnostic accuracy metrics were aggregated using a bivariate model, and subgroup meta-analysis compared CEUS accuracy across various organs.
Results: Meta-analysis from four studies, including 364 pediatric patients, revealed a pooled sensitivity of 88.5% (95%CI 82.5-92.6%) and specificity of 98.5% (95%CI 94.9-99.6%), with an area under the curve of 96% (95%CI 88 - 99%). Splenic injuries showed higher sensitivity than liver injuries (P-value < 0.01), while kidney assessments demonstrated higher specificity (P-value < 0.05).
Conclusion: This study highlights the diagnostic potential of CEUS for pediatric solid organ injuries caused by BAT. Further large-scale studies are needed due to the limited number and sample size of the included studies.
Keywords
Humans, Ultrasonography, Contrast Media, Child, Wounds, Nonpenetrating, Spleen, Abdominal Injuries, Liver, Sensitivity and Specificity, Kidney, Abdominal injuries, Blunt abdominal trauma, Contrast-enhanced ultrasound, Diagnostic imaging, Pediatric trauma, Solid organ injuries
DOI
10.1007/s00247-024-06127-9
PMID
39671007
PMCID
PMC11805793
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
12-13-2024
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Post-print
Published Open-Access
yes