Abdominal computed tomography in children with unexplained prolonged fever

Twenty-eight children with unexplained fever lasting at least 1 week were referred for CT of the abdomen. Of the 28 patients, 22 had clinical and radiographic findings localizing disease to the abdomen prior to CT. In these 22 patients CT correctly detected an abnormality in 19 of 22 (86%) and favorably affected therapy in 13 of 22 (59%). In the six patients without localizing findings CT was abnormal in two and normal in four. Computed tomography was correct in all six patients and favorably affected management in two patients. Our results suggest that in children with fever and findings localizing disease to the abdomen--especially the retroperitoneum--CT is helpful in diagnosing a wide variety of lesions, as well as influencing therapy. If no localizing signs are present, CT has a relatively lower yield.