[Ultrasound and portal hypertension in children. Demonstration of gastro-oesophageal collaterals. Preliminary report (author's transl)].
The authors studied the value of ultrasonography in demonstrating oesophageal collaterals in portal hypertension in childhood. 22 children with portal hypertension underwent successively an ultrasound examination and an endoscopy looking for submucosal oesophageal varices. Oesophageal collaterals were said to be present when ultrasound showed vascular structures in the gastro-hepatic ligament above the coeliac trunk origin. Among those 22 patient 18 had a satisfactory ultrasound examination. 12 true positive, 3 true negative, 3 false negative ultrasound examinations were obtained. 4 ultrasound studies were inconclusive. The value of ultrasound in the pre and post surgical check-up of portal hypertension in children is emphasized.