Marina Vakaki, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Anna Hountala, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

George Pitsoulakis, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Chris Koumanidou, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Intermittent inguinal swelling is usually noted by the parents in different moments of their daylife. The pediatrician/pediatric surgeon initially faces this clinical problem, which finally represents a diagnostic challenge for the Pediatric Radiologist. Purpose: To evaluate the role of sonography in the diagnostic investigation of intermittent inguinal swelling in childhood.

The sonograms of the inguinal region of 142 children (123 boys, 19 girls), 20-d to 14-y old, with intermittent ipsilateral (η=124) or bilateral (η=18) inguinal swelling, were retrospectively studied.

The sonographic examination of the boys revealed 40 cases of communicating hydrocele, 29 cases of non-carcerated inguinal hernia (bowel/omentum), 19 cases of funicular spermatic cord hydrocele, 22 cases of retractile testis and 13 cases of cryptorchidism with testicular sliding from the peritoneal cavity to the inguinal canal and vice versa. The sonographic examination of the girls showed 3 cases non-carcerated inguinal hernia (bowel loops and ipsilateral ovary), one case of sliding ovarian herniation and 15 cases of non-carcerated inguinal hernia (bowel loops/omentum). The various sonographic findings are presented with embryologic correlation.

Sonography represents the imaging method of choice in the diagnostic approach of intermittent inguinal swelling in childhood. The sonographic diagnosis is critical for the therapeutic decisions.

Sonography plays a key-role in the diagnostic approach of intermittent inguinal swelling in childhood.

Vakaki, M, Hountala, A, Pitsoulakis, G, Koumanidou, C, Intermittent Inguinal Swelling in Childhood: The Role of Sonography.  Radiological Society of North America 2007 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2007 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2007/5015046.html