CT in the evaluation of pediatric abdominal abnormalities

Space does not permit a discussion of the use of CT in the pelvis and chest, but obviously conditions such as lymphoma may involve these areas as well as the abdomen while pelvic masses may commonly present as abdominal abnormalities. In this review the author has tried to summarize the experiences of other and to combine this with his 4-year experience using an integrated imaging approach to arrive at some preliminary conclusions as to how CT may best be used in the care of children with abdominal abnormalities. As technology improves and experience widens, present thought and indications will undoubtedly be altered and probably be expanded. Even at this early stage it seems obvious to the author that CT should have great impact on traditional ways of studying abdominal pathology and that if properly used, it will result in better patients care at less cost in time and money to society and less trauma to the afflicted child.