To study ultrasound and chest X-ray findings and their role in the diagnosis of dengue fever in children

INTRODUCTION: Dengue fever is a fatal viral illness affecting almost all age groups and is seen in almost all tropical countries. Ultrasonography (USG) can be a useful tool for the assessment and diagnosis of dengue fever. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to evaluate X-ray and ultrasound findings in children with dengue fever. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective and cross-sectional study that was carried out in a hospital in Mumbai for over one year. All relevant data were collected, validated, and analyzed statistically on the software Epi Info 7. RESULTS: Abnormal X-ray findings noticed were pleural effusion, pneumonia, and bilateral nodular opacities. Pleural effusion and respiratory complications were more common in severe dengue (P < 0.05). Out of the 37 patients on whom USG was done, 33 (89.18%) had abnormal and 4 (10.81%) had normal USG findings. Of the 17 patients with dengue who showed warning signs, 16 (89.9%) had abnormal USG findings. Plasma leakage in the form of ascites and effusion was commonly seen. One hundred percent of patients with severe dengue had abnormal USG findings. The abnormal USG findings were more commonly detected between 5–7 days and were more commonly associated with IgG + IgM–positive serology. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography is a good modality for the diagnosis and evaluation of dengue patients. Serial ultrasound should be done for the assessment and evaluation of said patients.