How can we Diagnose Pediatric Pyloric Stenosis?
Pediatric pyloric stenosis can be diagnosed on careful physical examination and diagnostic tests like ultrasonography.
Diagnosis of pediatric pyloric stenosis is done based on:
Physical examination- The pyloric muscle thickening can be felt as a mass. Also, when the baby is examined during a feed, one can see the stomach pushing hard to empty.
Diagnostic tests -
- Abdominal ultrasound- The thickness and length of the pyloric muscle can be determined with ultrasonography, thus diagnosing the condition.
- Upper GI imaging with barium meal- This test examines the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. X-rays are taken after swallowing the barium meal. The test demonstrates narrowing at the pylorus and delayed emptying of the stomach contents.
- Upper GI endoscopy- It is used in select cases when other imaging tests are inconclusive or when the infant presents with atypical clinical features.
