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Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Implementation of Non-invasive Point of Care Transient Elastography for Evaluation of Liver Disease in Pediatric Populations with Cystic Fibrosis
Published on: August 29, 2025
Transient hepatic attenuation differences in neonates
Alexander J Towbin1, Jun Ying, Robert Fleck
1Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave. ML 5031, Cincinnati, OH 45241, USA. Alexander.Towbin@cchmc.org
Background:
A transient hepatic attenuation difference (THAD) is a hepatic perfusion anomaly seen on contrast-enhanced CT scans caused by an alteration in the dual blood supply of the liver. Although THADs have been described in adolescents and adults, they have not previously been described in neonates.
Objective:
We describe the appearance and evaluate the frequency of THADs in neonates < or =1 month of age compared to other infants younger than 2 years.
Materials And Methods:
A retrospective study was performed looking at all CT angiograms from 2000 to 2007 in infants <2 years of age. The incidence of THADs was compared among four age groups. Significance was determined using a logistic regression model.
Results:
The study included 128 CT angiograms. A THAD was seen in 9/26 infants <1 month of age, in 3/50 infants 1 to 6 months of age, in 1/23 infants 6 months to 1 year of age, and in 1/29 infants 1 to 2 years of age. A THAD was found significantly more frequently in infants <1 month of age than in the older age groups (P<0.05).
Conclusion:
THADs are benign entities that can be seen normally in the neonatal age group. When the characteristic appearance is seen on CT, no further imaging is needed.
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