Prevalence of Sonographic Signs in Children with Acute Hepatitis in Zahedan City, Southeast of Iran

Background: Acute viral hepatitis is a common infection in developing countries among children. Different diagnostic methods for acute hepatitis has been introduced. Objectives: In this study, we have determined the prevalence of sonographic signs in children with acute hepatitis. Methods: A total of 383 children with acute hepatitis were studied in Zahedan city, southeast of Iran. The sampling method was by the enumeration of the cases. Patients underwent ultrasonography in which their sonographic signs of acute hepatitis were investigated and analyzed. Results: The mean age of children was 6.1+-2.8 years, with 211 (55.1%) males and 172 (44.9%) females. The prevalence of gallbladder wall edema was 20.1% (77 children), periportal lymphadenopathy 15.1% (58 children), hepatomegaly 4.9% (19 children), increased liver echogenicity 53.0% (203 children), decreased liver echogenicity 15.4% (59 children), splenomegaly 1.8% (7 children), and periportal hyperechogenicity 32.4% (124 children). Conclusions: The results indicate that the most common sonographic signs of patients with acute hepatitis were increased liver echogenicity and periportal hyperechogenicity.