Ultrasound for early diagnosis of intra-abdominal involvement in children with Henoch-Schönlein Purpura: A retrospective study

摘要

© 2022 Authors. All rights reserved.Introduction: Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP) is the most common vasculitis of childhood worldwide. Diagnostic imaging is not essential for all patients with HSP. This technique is mostly required for children suffering from severe abdominal pain and a high risk of intussusception. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the potential of abdominal Ultrasound scans (US) for evaluating intra-abdominal involvement in patients with HSP. Methods: Data were recorded from January 1, 2018 to February 13, 2019 of 43 children aged 4-13 years (6.16 on average), including 29 (67) males and 14 (33) females hospitalized in a university hospital. Extensions and movements of the intestine, internal bleeding, and the internal wall of the small intestine were assessed. Ultrasound imaging was performed by radiology experts with at least three years of working experience. All analysis was done using SPSS software. Results: A total of 43 patients aged 4-13 years (6.16 years on average) were participated. According to the results of this study, the patients with positive abdominal sonographic findings (group A) showed significantly higher rates of gastrointestinal (GI) (89 vs 79) and renal involvement (68 vs 20.8). Ultrasound imaging covered the detection range of 0-0.916 for the presence of abdominal purpura all at once, while at ranges over 0.916 there was a risk of overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Conclusion: Ultrasound imaging can predict GI involvements before appearing other symptoms, and therefore make the HSP diagnosis more simple, and reduce the hospitalization period.