Ultrasound of the pediatric chest.

Historically, the evaluation of the pediatric chest has been accomplished via CT and conventional radiography. Our objective is to discuss and illustrate the role of US as a non-ionizing radiation alternative in the evaluation of the pediatric chest. US is a valuable tool in the evaluation of the pediatric chest. It can be used as a first-line modality in the evaluation of superficial lumps and bumps of the chest wall, diaphragmatic motion, the thymus and pleural effusions, and it can play a valuable secondary role in evaluation of mediastinal masses and pulmonary parenchymal disease.