Ultrasonographic studies in the management of recurrent abdominal pain.

The medical records of 65 children and adolescents who had abdominal ultrasonography for the evaluation of recurrent abdominal pain were reviewed. Fifty-three subjects (81%) had normal results; in 12 cases (19%) an abnormality was detected. In no case could the pain be attributed to the abnormal finding. Furthermore, in 3 subjects, disclosure of the abnormal findings could have caused more harm than good. The role of the abdominal ultrasonographic study in the management of recurrent abdominal pain in children and adolescents is discussed.