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Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Making MR Imaging Child's Play - Pediatric Neuroimaging Protocol, Guidelines and Procedure
Published on: July 30, 2009
Insights
This study outlines a diagnostic approach for pediatric acute upper abdominal trauma, emphasizing the role of various imaging techniques. The choice of imaging depends on the specific injury and available resources, guiding clinicians through complex cases.
Area of Science:
- Medical imaging
- Pediatric radiology
- Trauma diagnostics
Background:
- Diagnostic imaging is crucial for evaluating pediatric abdominal trauma.
- The selection of imaging modalities must consider personnel expertise and equipment availability.
- A structured diagnostic route aids in managing complex pediatric trauma cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the application of multiple imaging techniques in pediatric abdominal trauma.
- To present a specific diagnostic algorithm for acute upper abdominal trauma in children.
- To illustrate the role of various imaging modalities in diagnosing pediatric injuries.
Main Methods:
- The study proposes a diagnostic pathway for acute upper abdominal trauma in children.
- Specific imaging techniques are recommended based on the suspected injury location and severity.
- Examples include Intravenous sonography, Liver/spleen scintigraphy, and Computed Tomography (CT) scans.
Main Results:
- A detailed diagnostic route is presented for pediatric upper abdominal trauma.
- The pathway integrates various imaging modalities like sonography and CT scans.
- The approach is adaptable based on clinical suspicion and available resources.
Conclusions:
- The proposed diagnostic route serves as an illustrative example for utilizing diverse imaging techniques.
- Clinical judgment, personnel skill, and equipment availability are critical factors in imaging selection.
- This approach aids in the effective diagnosis of pediatric abdominal trauma.
Abstract:
To demonstrate the use of these multiple techniques, one might consider algorithms that are available for various disorders. It is worth pointing out that for imaging of specific abnormalities, they must be evaluated in light of the skill and interest of available personnel and on the equipment that is available. For example, in acute upper abdominal trauma in children the following is one diagnostic route: With no substantial suspicion of brain injury and after evaluation by an attending surgeon; With upper abdominal injury limited reasonably clearly to the kidneys, renal vessels, and ureters: Intravenous sonography; With upper abdominal injury limited reasonably clearly to the liver, spleen, or both: Liver/spleen scintigraphy; With substantial suspicion that the injury is not limited to the kidneys or the liver and spleen: Enhanced CT of upper abdomen; With a suspicion of brain injury sufficient to require CT of the head: CT scan, and if there is abdominal injury as well, contrast enhanced CT of the upper abdomen; Again it is to be emphasized that this diagnostic route (as well as the ones in Figures 1 and 2) represents an approach and is used in the context of this chapter to illustrate the role of the various imaging techniques that are available to the diagnosis of one pediatric problem.
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