Imaging of abdominal masses in children

Abdominal imaging has undergone extensive change over the past several years. In many cases, the developments have been so rapid as to preclude an orderly comparison of competing procedures with prospective comparison studies. Consequently, no rigid imaging protocol will be universally accepted and many issues are unresolved. This article reviews the various imaging procedures used in imaging pediatric abdominal masses with emphasis on technique, indications, risks, and costs. The relative merits of imaging modalities in various clinical situations are outlined and specific recommendations are given.