Pediatric oncologic emergencies: Clinical and imaging review for pediatricians

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Emergency Medicine
• Diagnostic Radiology

Background:

• Children with cancer have a high risk of life-threatening emergencies.
• These emergencies arise from the malignancy or its treatment, necessitating rapid assessment and intervention.
• Cardiothoracic and abdominal emergencies are common, impacting morbidity and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review clinical features and imaging findings of oncologic emergencies in pediatric patients.
• To highlight the vital role of radiology in diagnosing these critical conditions.
• To emphasize collaborative diagnosis and treatment strategies among pediatric specialists.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical presentations of pediatric oncologic emergencies.
• Analysis of radiological imaging features for various cardiothoracic and abdominal emergencies.
• Inclusion of recently published studies and key radiological images.

Main Results:

• Detailed description of pathologies like pericardial effusion, cardiac tamponade, massive hemoptysis, superior vena cava syndrome, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, bowel obstruction, intussusception, perforation, tumor rupture, graft-versus-host disease, pancreatitis, neutropenic colitis, and obstructive uropathy.
• Emphasis on the diagnostic utility of radiology in identifying these emergencies.
• Presentation of illustrative radiological images.

Conclusions:

• Radiology is indispensable for the prompt and accurate diagnosis of pediatric oncologic emergencies.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration between pediatricians, surgeons, and radiologists is essential for optimal patient management.
• Early diagnosis and treatment are key to minimizing morbidity and mortality in these high-risk patients.