Pseudothrombus of the Aorta: A Common Mirror Artifact in Pediatric Patients

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate a common ultrasound artifact of the abdominal aorta in pediatric patients through a retrospective analysis of 150 consecutive pediatric abdominal ultrasound examinations. The presence of an aortic pseudomass was evaluated at the level of the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery (SMA). An artifact within the aorta at the level of the SMA was noted in 39 patients (26%) and an artifact at the level of the celiac trunk was noted in 4 patient (3%). In 7 of 8 cases the artifact at the level of the SMA was eliminated by use of the Clarify™ Vascular Enhancement (VE) Technology. A pseudomass of the aorta is a common artifact in pediatric abdominal ultrasound examinations. Changing the position of the transducer or utilizing the Clarify Vascular Enhancement Technology may help differentiate between a pseudomass and a thrombus and prevent further costly diagnostic work-up.
Source: Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Category: Radiology Authors: Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research