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Abstract Background The aim of this exploratory survey is to describe the current state of US (ultrasound) technique across different pediatric settings nationwide. Methods A questionnaire was emailed to all members of the Italian Society of Pediatrics, including pediatric residents. The survey was open from December 2021 to March 2022. Results There were 1098 respondents. Seven hundred and seven pediatricians (84.1%) reported any use of US, while 51 (44.3%) residents denied it. The majority of participants (n = 956, 87.1%) reported to have a US machine available within the department, mostly cart-based (n = 516, 66.9%) and provided from 1 to 5 years prior to the survey (n = 330, 42.8%). Lung and neonatal cerebral regions were the most frequently scanned (n = 289, 18.7% and n = 218, 14.1%, respectively). The suspicion of pneumonia or respiratory distress represented the main reasons for performing US in emergency room (n = 390, 78% and n = 330, 66%, respectively). The majority of family pediatricians reported to scan lung and kidney/urinary tract regions (n = 30, 16.9%, and n = 23,12.9%, respectively). Regarding US training, the majority of respondents (n = 358, 34.6%) declared an experience-based education, with a deficient certification enabling the use of US in 71.6% (n = 552) of cases. The most common barriers included the lack of a well-defined training program (n = 627, 57.1%), unavailability of the US machine (n = 196, 17.9%) and legal responsibility concern (n = 175, 15.9%). Conclusions Despite the growing interest on pediatric US nationally, significant barriers still limit widespread adoption. These obstacles may be addressed through the dissemination of a specific US education plan and providing additional resources.

Abstract Background Stickler syndrome is a connective tissue disorder with predominantly autosomal dominant inheritance, with ocular, auditory and joint involvement. Thyroid dysfunction was not described as part of alterations in Stickler syndrome and in particular, the association between Stickler’s syndrome and Graves’ disease has never been previously reported in literature. Moreover, the presence of Graves’ disease is uncommon in the pediatric age (especially in children younger than 6 years old). Case presentation We report the case of a 5-years old child affected by Stickler syndrome who received the diagnosis of Graves’s disease, in absence of suggestive symptoms, during health supervision. Conclusions This is the first evidence of thyroid dysfunction and autoimmune pattern for Sticker syndrome. Further clinical reports are expected before suggesting the implementation of new clinical skills for Stickler syndrome, but this paper may contribute to improve personalized management of this rare disorder.