Ultrasound may aid pediatric constipation diagnosis in various clinical settings

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Frontiers in Medicine Published May 29, 2026 Medically reviewed May 29, 2026 DOI ↗ By Dr. Sofia Müller, MD · Lifespan & Whole-Person Care

Key Takeaway

Note that ultrasound may aid pediatric constipation diagnosis but requires standardized criteria.

This narrative review evaluates the utility of transabdominal intestinal ultrasound and perianal ultrasonography within pediatric gastroenterology clinics, institutional settings, and outpatient visits. The scope focuses on how these imaging modalities can assist in the diagnosis and management of chronic constipation in children. No specific sample size or primary outcomes were reported in this synthesis. The authors do not provide quantitative data on efficacy or adverse events. Instead, the text offers a qualitative assessment of the current evidence landscape regarding these diagnostic techniques. The review highlights that while ultrasound holds potential value, significant gaps remain in the field. The authors explicitly state that further standardization of methodology and diagnostic criteria is required to improve consistency and reliability. Consequently, the evidence is considered preliminary and not yet definitive for routine clinical practice. Clinicians should interpret these findings with caution given the lack of standardized protocols and the absence of reported safety data or comparative effectiveness metrics.

Study Details

Study typeSystematic review

EvidenceLevel 1

PublishedMay 2026

View Original Abstract ↓

Chronic constipation in children is a significant problem not only for the child but also for the family and caregivers in institutional settings. Constipation is a common clinical symptom, accounting for nearly one-third of consultations in pediatric gastroenterology clinics. In the vast majority of cases, the cause is functional constipation, whose pathogenesis is complex but usually benign. The greatest challenge lies in identifying organic causes within this patient group, for which ultrasound is particularly well suited as a non-invasive tool for exclusion. Transabdominal intestinal ultrasound is an ideal diagnostic tool due to its non-invasive, cost-effective, and repeatable nature, and its ability to be performed during routine outpatient visits. It enables objective assessment of fecal retention by measuring rectal diameter (RD), rectal wall thickness, and degree of colonic filling. In addition, ultrasound may be useful for assessing stool consistency and colonic transit. Perianal ultrasonography is a complementary method to transabdominal intestinal ultrasound, enabling a more detailed evaluation of anal canal structures. Ultrasound may therefore represent a valuable adjunct in the diagnosis and management of pediatric constipation, although further standardization of methodology and diagnostic criteria is required.