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17-01-2025 | Choledocholithiasis | Review

Assessing the safety and effectiveness of endoscopic ultrasound for pediatric hepato-pancreatico-biliary disorders: a systematic review

Authors: Omar Alomari, Khaled A. Abualkhair, Khaled Saad, Sara Magdy, Janna A. Omran, Mahmoud M. AlSanafini, Loay A. Hassan, Omar Y. ElBasatiny, Djihane Machane, Marwan Abdulrahim, Hadeer G. Abo-elmaged, Mohamed Elshaieb, Mohamed Shawky Elfarargy, Amira Elhoufey, Hamad Ghaleb Dailah, Aya H. Sayed, Alaa Ismail, Bassel Walid, Mahmoud Hashemy, Ahmed M. Afifi, Anas Elgenidy

Published in: Pediatric Radiology | Issue 2/2025

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Abstract

Background

Endoscopic ultrasound (US) has been established as a safe diagnostic tool for adults, but its use in children remains underexplored. The rising prevalence of pediatric hepato-pancreato-biliary disorders requires a closer examination of its utility. In this systematic review, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and clinical impact of endoscopic US in the pediatric population, concentrating on its diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic applications.

Methods

All related clinical studies were identified by searching the Web of Science databases, PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, Cochrane, and Embase. Data were extracted from relevant studies using a pre-planned Excel sheet.

Results

Twenty-eight studies demonstrated that endoscopic US in children is safe, technically successful, and clinically impactful, offering valuable diagnostic and interventional competencies. Endoscopic US was frequently used for microlithiasis, choledocholithiasis, and pancreaticobiliary anomalies. It reliably outperformed other imaging modalities, effectively reducing the need for more invasive procedures. Endoscopic US had a remarkable clinical impact, with diverse diagnostic yields, highlighting its role in diagnosing and treating children with hepato-pancreato-biliary disorders. The safety profile of endoscopic US in children was excellent, with nominal reported complications.

Conclusion

Our comprehensive review underlines the promising application of endoscopic US in pediatric hepato-pancreato-biliary diseases. The endoscopic US demonstrates its diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic potential in children, offering a non-invasive, safe, and efficient approach. As we move forward, addressing the identified limitations and expanding the pediatric-specific research on endoscopic US will enhance our ability to provide precise and patient-centered care in managing pediatric hepato-pancreato-biliary disorders.

Graphical abstract

Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Assessing the safety and effectiveness of endoscopic ultrasound for pediatric hepato-pancreatico-biliary disorders: a systematic review
Authors
Omar Alomari
Khaled A. Abualkhair
Khaled Saad
Sara Magdy
Janna A. Omran
Mahmoud M. AlSanafini
Loay A. Hassan
Omar Y. ElBasatiny
Djihane Machane
Marwan Abdulrahim
Hadeer G. Abo-elmaged
Mohamed Elshaieb
Mohamed Shawky Elfarargy
Amira Elhoufey
Hamad Ghaleb Dailah
Aya H. Sayed
Alaa Ismail
Bassel Walid
Mahmoud Hashemy
Ahmed M. Afifi
Anas Elgenidy
Publication date
17-01-2025
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Pediatric Radiology / Issue 2/2025
Print ISSN: 0301-0449
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1998
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-024-06159-1

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