Abstract
Background and Study Aims: Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is rarely used in pediatrics. Its feasibility and
potential indications have been assessed in this retrospective study.
Patients and Methods: Twenty-three EUS examinations were carried out on 18 children (mean age 12 years,
ranging from 4 to 16 years) using a mechanically rotating 7.5 and 12 MHz sector scan
transducer. Upper digestive tract EUS (n = 17) was performed in children suffering
from biliopancreatic diseases, angiomatosis or digestive tumors. They were performed
under intravenous sedation. Anorectal EUS (n = 6), carried out after simple lavage
in most cases, investigated tumors (adenomas and carcinoid tumor) or proctological
diseases.
Results: No technical failures or complications were encountered. EUS proved useful in the
diagnosis of pancreatitis and portal hypertension. When included in pretherapeutic
examinations, it provided useful information in cases of angiomatosis, biliary lithiasis
and polyps. It was also useful in the follow-up of children after endoscopic excision
or surgical treatment of adenomas or tumors (carcinoid tumor, neurofibroma).
Conclusion: EUS would therefore appear to be a promising technique in pediatric gastroenterology.
More work is needed in order to better determine its indications and the need for
equipment specific to children.
