What imaging study is best used to evaluate pyloric stenosis?

The best imaging study to evaluate pyloric stenosis is abdominal ultrasound. This is primarily because abdominal ultrasound is non-invasive, does not involve exposure to ionizing radiation, and is highly effective in visualizing the thickened pyloric muscle characteristic of pyloric stenosis.

In the case of pyloric stenosis, the ultrasound can provide clear images of the pylorus, allowing for the assessment of its wall thickness and the length of the channel. Typical findings in pyloric stenosis include a narrowed pyloric channel and a muscle wall thickness greater than 4 mm, which are indicative of the condition.

While other imaging modalities, like X-ray and CT scan, can provide useful information in different contexts, they are not the gold standard for diagnosing pyloric stenosis. X-rays may not adequately visualize the pylorus and could expose a young child to unnecessary radiation. Similarly, a CT scan, although very detailed, involves radiation and is generally not necessary in uncomplicated cases of suspected pyloric stenosis. Endoscopy is typically used for direct visual inspection within the gastrointestinal tract but is not utilized for diagnosing pyloric stenosis, as it involves more invasive procedures and is not necessary for evaluation in this scenario.

Thus, abdominal ultrasound stands out as the most appropriate