ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN THE EVALUATION OF NECK ABSCESSES IN CHILDREN

A prospective study evaluating the benefits of preoperative ultrasonog raphy of paediatric neck abscesses is presented. Twenty-three consecut ive children who presented with suspected neck abscesses to the Accide nt and Emergency Department at the Temple Street Children's Hospital b etween 1990 and 1992 have been evaluated prospectively. On admission, ultrasonography showed a collection of pus in 11 children and these un derwent incision and drainage. The other 12 had intravenous antibiotic s. Six of these remained pyrexial and had a repeal ultrasound after 72 h revealing pus which was drained. The remaining were managed success fully with medical treatment. In this study there were no negative sur gical interventions and we recommend ultrasonography for preoperative evaluation of children with suspected inflammatory neck abscesses.