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CT of the pediatric gastrointestinal tract
S T Auringer1, E S Scharling, T E Sumner
1Department of Radiology, Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157-1088, USA.
Insights
Pediatric computed tomography (CT) scans may use adult protocols, leading to unique presentations of common pediatric gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. This review highlights the CT imaging of these uncommon pediatric GI conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric radiology
- Gastrointestinal imaging
- Computed tomography (CT)
Background:
- Children differ significantly from adults, yet adult imaging protocols are sometimes applied to pediatric patients.
- Computed tomography (CT) is increasingly used for adult gastrointestinal (GI) evaluations, with potential implications for pediatric imaging.
- This can lead to the evaluation of pediatric GI disorders using protocols not specifically designed for children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the computed tomography (CT) appearance of common pediatric gastrointestinal (GI) disorders.
- To illustrate how common pediatric GI diseases can present atypically on CT scans.
- To aid radiologists in recognizing and interpreting these uncommon presentations in children.
Main Methods:
- This is a pictorial essay, focusing on the visual representation of CT findings.
- The review covers common pediatric GI disorders.
- Emphasis is placed on the radiographic (CT) appearance of these conditions.
Main Results:
- Common pediatric GI diseases can exhibit unusual clinical and radiographic presentations.
- CT imaging, even when using adult protocols, can reveal characteristic features of these disorders.
- Recognition of these atypical presentations is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Radiologists must be aware of the potential for adult CT protocols to be used in pediatric patients.
- Understanding the varied CT appearances of pediatric GI conditions is essential for accurate diagnosis.
- This pictorial essay serves as a resource for identifying uncommon CT findings in pediatric GI disorders.
Abstract:
Despite the fact that children are not small adults, some children will invariably be evaluated with adult imaging protocols. As CT gains popularity in the evaluation of the adult gastrointestinal (GI) tract, there will undoubtedly be some spillover into the pediatric age group. This pictorial essay reviews the CT appearance of some common pediatric GI disorders as common diseases may present uncommonly, both clinically and radiographically.