Updates and Advances: Pediatric Musculoskeletal Infection Imaging Made Easier for Radiologists and Clinicians
Michael S Furman1, Ricardo Restrepo2, Supika Kritsaneepaiboon3
1Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital/Hasbro Children's Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island.
Abstract:
Infants and children often present with a wide range of musculoskeletal (MSK) infections in daily clinical practice. This can vary from relatively benign superficial infections such as cellulitis to destructive osseous and articular infections and life-threatening deep soft tissue processes such as necrotizing fasciitis. Imaging evaluation plays an essential role for initial detection and follow-up evaluation of pediatric MSK infections. Therefore, a clear and up-to-date knowledge of imaging manifestations in MSK infections in infants and children is imperative for timely and accurate diagnosis that, in turn, can result in optimal patient management. This article reviews an up-to-date practical imaging techniques, the differences between pediatric and adult MSK infections, the spectrum of pediatric MSK infections, and mimics of pediatric MSK infections encountered in daily clinical practice by radiologists and clinicians.
Insights
This review covers imaging techniques for pediatric musculoskeletal infections, differentiating them from adult cases. Accurate diagnosis through imaging is crucial for effective treatment of these diverse infections in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Musculoskeletal Infections
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Musculoskeletal (MSK) infections in infants and children range from superficial cellulitis to deep, life-threatening conditions.
- Imaging is vital for detecting and monitoring pediatric MSK infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an up-to-date review of imaging techniques for pediatric MSK infections.
- To highlight differences between pediatric and adult MSK infections.
- To discuss the spectrum of pediatric MSK infections and their mimics.
Main Methods:
- Review of current imaging modalities and their applications in pediatric MSK infections.
- Comparative analysis of imaging findings in pediatric versus adult MSK infections.
- Discussion of common and rare pediatric MSK infections and their differential diagnoses.
Main Results:
- Imaging plays a critical role in the timely diagnosis and management of pediatric MSK infections.
- Understanding age-specific imaging manifestations is essential for accurate interpretation.
- Distinguishing true infections from mimics is a key challenge in pediatric MSK imaging.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of imaging manifestations is imperative for optimal patient management.
- Radiologists and clinicians must be aware of the unique aspects of pediatric MSK infections.
- This review serves as a practical guide to imaging pediatric MSK infections.
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