Contemporary imaging of the child with abdominal pain or distress

As technological advances in the field of diagnostic imaging progress rapidly, there is increasing confusion as to how to utilize these resources efficiently in the evaluation of the child with acute abdominal pain. The history and physical examination become extremely important to help guide the subsequent imaging protocol. Plain films have limited value. Sonographic technology is particularly well suited to the child for the initial imaging investigation because the sonographic examination can demonstrate excellent sensitivity and specificity for some disease entities. Computed tomography is a useful adjunctive imaging modality, while magnetic resonance imaging for abdominal pain is still in its infancy. Nuclear medicine isotope studies will not be addressed in this review.