Ultrasound screening for abdominal masses in the neonatal period.

A total of 36 patients, 6 weeks of age or younger, were examined by ultrasound for a suspected abdominal mass during the four-year period between May 1977 and May 1981. A total of 46 abdominal masses were detected in 29 patients. The ultrasound diagnosis was correct or directly contributory to the final diagnosis in 96% (43/45) of the cases. The diagnosis was incorrect or misleading in only 4% (2/45) of the cases. When no pathologic mass was demonstrated by ultrasound, this observation was confirmed to be correct in every case. The study was safe, reliable, and quickly performed with no discomfort for the patient. Ultrasound should replace the intravenous urogram as the initial screening procedure for neonates with a suspected abdominal mass.