DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjams.2026.v14i04.002

Pages: 433-437

Background: Acute appendicitis is the most common cause of emergency abdominal surgery in children. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential to prevent complications such as perforation and abscess formation. Ultrasonography (USG) is widely used as a first-line, non-invasive imaging modality in pediatric patients due to its safety, availability and diagnostic utility. This study aimed to evaluate the ultrasonographic findings in children with suspected acute appendicitis. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Radiology & Imaging at Bangladesh Shishu Hospital from January 2024 to December 2024. A total of 120 children presenting with clinical suspicion of acute appendicitis were included. Patients underwent detailed clinical assessment and abdominal ultrasonography. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25. Results: The highest proportion of patients were aged 10–13 years (44, 36.7%) and 71 (59.2%) were male. Right lower abdominal pain was the most common symptom (114, 95.0%), followed by abdominal tenderness (108, 90.0%) and nausea or vomiting (83, 69.2%). Ultrasonographic evaluation revealed a non-compressible tubular appendix >6 mm in 89 patients (74.2%), appendiceal wall thickening in 81 (67.5%), increased periappendiceal echogenic fat in 52 (43.3%), periappendiceal fluid collection in 26 (21.7%), appendicolith in 17 (14.2%) and abscess formation in 9 (7.5%). Conclusion: Ultrasonography is an effective and reliable diagnostic tool for evaluating suspected acute appendicitis in children. Its use can facilitate early diagnosis, detect complications and reduce unnecessary surgical interventions in the pediatric population.