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Acute abdomen in pediatric radiology
Nina Lochbühler1, Petra Bölle1, Peter Müller-Abt1
1Department of Pediatric Radiology Olgahospital, Klinikum Stuttgart Olgahospital Frauenklinik, Stuttgart, Germany.
Insights
Pediatric acute abdomen diagnosis requires age-specific imaging approaches. Sonography and radiography are key, with interdisciplinary collaboration vital for effective treatment in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Abdominal Emergencies
Background:
- Acute abdomen is a frequent diagnostic challenge in pediatric patients.
- Timely and accurate diagnosis is critical for effective management, particularly in younger children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide radiologists outside pediatric subspecialty with an overview of common acute abdomen causes in children and adolescents.
- To highlight age-specific imaging considerations for pediatric acute abdomen.
Main Methods:
- Review of typical causes of acute abdomen in pediatric age groups (newborns, infants/toddlers, schoolchildren).
- Emphasis on sonography and conventional radiography as primary imaging modalities.
- Discussion of MRI for specific clinical indications.
Main Results:
- Age-specific imaging protocols are essential due to developmental and physiological differences.
- Sonography offers advantages in younger children (availability, no sedation, bedside).
- Congenital and acquired pathologies are common causes across different pediatric age groups.
Conclusions:
- Tailoring imaging strategies based on age is crucial for pediatric acute abdomen.
- Sonography and radiography are the cornerstone imaging modalities.
- Effective diagnosis relies on strong interdisciplinary communication between clinicians and radiologists.
Background:
Imaging is a common part of the workup for acute abdomen in childhood and adolescence. Rapid diagnosis is crucial for adequate therapy, especially in young children.
Method:
This review is intended to provide an overview of the typical causes of acute abdomen in children and adolescents and is specifically aimed at radiologists who do not regularly work in pediatric radiology.
Results And Conclusion:
Age-specific peculiarities make a division into three age groups useful: Newborns, infants and toddlers, and schoolchildren. Possible causes of acute abdomen in children range from congenital lesions, particularly in newborns, to entities well known in adult radiology, more commonly in school-aged children. Since younger children have a higher sensitivity to radiation and often a limited ability to cooperate, sonography and conventional X-ray are the primary imaging modalities used. Decisive advantages of sonography, especially in younger children, include its widespread availability, the lack of need for sedation, and the possibility of bedside examination. Supplementary cross-sectional imaging, usually MRI, is reserved for special clinical questions. Close interdisciplinary cooperation between attending clinicians and radiologists is essential for efficient diagnostics in this patient group.
Key Points:
· Age-specific features must be observed. · Sonography and radiography are the most important modalities. · Both congenital and acquired pathologies play a role. · Good interdisciplinary cooperation is essential in this patient group.
Citation Format:
· Lochbühler N, Bölle P, Müller-Abt P. Acute abdomen in pediatric radiology. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2024; 196: 451 - 462.
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