Contemporary imaging in abdominal emergencies

Patient size as a parameter for determining Diagnostic Reference Levels for paediatric Computed Tomography (CT) procedures

INTRODUCTION

The paediatric radiation dose has never been studied in Sri Lanka, nor has a national diagnostic reference level (NDRL) established. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to propose diagnostic reference levels (DRL) and achievable dose (AD) values for paediatric CT examinations based on size.

METHODS

A total of 658 paediatric (0-15 years) non-contrast-enhanced (NC) studies of head, chest and abdomen regions performed during six months in two dedicated paediatric hospitals (out of the three such institutions in the country) were included. For head examinations, the dose indexes were analysed based on age, while for body examinations, both age and effective diameter (D_eff) were used. The median and the third quartile of the pooled dose distribution were given as AD and NDRL, respectively.

RESULTS

The AD ranges for the head, chest and abdomen regions based on CTDI_vol were 45.8-57.2 mGy, 2.9-10.0 mGy and 3.8-10.3 mGy. The corresponding NDRL ranges were 45.8-95.8 mGy, 3.5-14.1 mGy and 4.5-11.9 mGy. The AD ranges based on SSDE_deff and d_eff were 3.5-9.6 mGy and 4.1-10.3 mGy in chest and abdomen regions. The corresponding NDRL were 4.5-14.1 mGy and 6.1-10.6 mGy.

CONCLUSION

Other institutions can use the present study DRLs as a reference dose for paediatric CT. The AD values can be used as a baseline for target dose optimisations, reducing doses up to 90%.

ESTIMATION OF DIAGNOSTIC REFERENCE LEVELS AND ACHIEVABLE DOSES FOR PEDIATRIC PATIENTS IN COMMON COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY EXAMINATIONS: A MULTI-CENTER STUDY

This study was conducted to determine first local diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) and achievable doses (ADs) for pediatric patients during the most common computed tomography (CT) procedures in Yazd province. The DRL was obtained based on volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP) for four various age groups of children. Data were collected from the most commonly performed pediatric CT scans, including abdomen-pelvis, chest, brain and sinus examinations, at six high-loaded institutes. The patients' data (766 no.) in terms of CTDIvol and DLP were obtained from four age groups: ≤1-, 1-5-, 5-10- and 10-15-y-old. The 75th percentiles of CTDIvol and DLP were considered as DRL values and the 50th percentiles were described as ADs for those parameters. Consequently, the acquired DRLs were compared with other national and international published values. The DRLs in terms of CTDIvol for abdomen-pelvis, chest, brain and sinus examinations were 3, 8, 9 and 10 mGy; 4, 5, 5 and 5 mGy; 25, 28, 29 and 38 mGy; and 23, 24, 26 and 27 mGy for four different age groups of ≤1-, 1-5-, 5-10- and 10-15-y-old, respectively. The DRL values in terms of DLP were 75, 302, 321 and 342 mGy.cm; 109, 112, 135 and 170 mGy.cm, 352, 355, 360 and 481 mGy.cm; and 206, 211, 228 and 245 mGy.cm, respectively, for the mentioned age groups. In this study, the DRL and AD values in the brain examination were greater among the other studied regions. The DRL plays a critical role in the optimization of radiation doses delivered to patients and in improving their protection. This study provides the local DRLs and ADs for the most common pediatric CT scanning in Yazd province to create optimum situation for the clinical practice.

Traumatic Gallbladder Perforation in Children - Case Report and Review

BACKGROUND

 Gallbladder perforation is a very rare finding in children. Clinical and radiografic presentations are often vague. Hence it is a challenging diagnosis, often missed during initial evaluation with potentially fatal consequences. The aim of this case report and review was to identify factors that might help to diagnose and manage future cases.

METHODS

 We present a case of gallbladder perforation in an 8-year-old child after blunt abdominal trauma caused by a handlebar in which imaging modalities such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) helped us to determine proper management. We identified and evaluated comparable cases for isolated traumatic gallbladder injury. A review of the recent literature was performed by online search in Pubmed and Google Scholar using "gallbladder injury in children", "gallbladder perforation children", "blunt abdominal trauma children" as keywords. We focused on articles exclusively in the pediatric section. The literature from the period 2000-2020 was taken into account to review the state of the art in diagnosis and management.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

 Recent literature for gallbladder injury in pediatrics is sparse compared to the adult counterpart. Only eight published cases of isolated gallbladder injury in children were identified. Since the onset of symptoms may not develop acutely and often develops in an indistinct manner, radiografic examinations play an important role in the diagnostic progress. The authors advise caution in cases of blunt abdominal trauma especially involving handlebars, intraperitoneal free fluid, and severe abdominal pain. We advocate high suspicion of gallbladder perforation if the gallbladder wall displays discontinuation or cannot be definitively differentiated in sonografic examination. Echogenic fluid within the gallbladder should always lead to suspicion of intraluminal bleeding. Repeated clinical and imaging examinations are mandatory since the onset of signs and symptoms may be delayed.

KEY POINTS

  · Awareness of gallbladder perforation in blunt abdominal trauma of the upper abdomen.. · Particularly high index of suspicion in cases involving handlebar injuries.. · Repeated clinical and imaging examinations are highly recommended..

CITATION FORMAT

· Le MT, Herrmann J, Groth M et al. Traumatic Gallbladder Perforation in Children - Case Report and Review. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2021; 193: 889 - 897.

Pediatric musculoskeletal injuries: role of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging

Pediatric musculoskeletal system is particularly prone to traumatic and sports-related injuries, both acute and chronic, i.e., overuse injuries, because of inherent conditions of weakness, such as the open physis, representing the weakest aspect within the bone, the ligamentous supports and changing biomechanics. Being aware that a quick diagnosis is essential to preserve the good functionality of the limb involved, it is mandatory for the radiologist to recognize the most common patterns of these injuries, identifying those requiring a prompt surgery, as well as be confident with the technique performed, and be supported by an important background experience and knowledge skills.

Diagnostic imaging of blunt abdominal trauma in pediatric patients

Trauma is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in childhood, and blunt trauma accounts for 80-90 % of abdominal injuries. The mechanism of trauma is quite similar to that of the adults, but there are important physiologic differences between children and adults in this field, such as the smaller blood vessels and the high vasoconstrictive response, leading to the spreading of a non-operative management. The early imaging of children undergoing a low-energy trauma can be performed by CEUS, a valuable diagnostic tool to demonstrate solid organ injuries with almost the same sensitivity of CT scans; nevertheless, as for as urinary tract injuries, MDCT remains still the technique of choice, because of its high sensitivity and accuracy, helping to discriminate between an intra-peritoneal form a retroperitoneal urinary leakage, requiring two different managements. The liver is the most common organ injured in blunt abdominal trauma followed by the spleen. Renal, pancreatic, and bowel injuries are quite rare. In this review we present various imaging findings of blunt abdominal trauma in children.

Local diagnostic reference level based on size-specific dose estimates: assessment of pediatric abdominal/pelvic computed tomography at a Japanese national children's hospital

BACKGROUND

A child's body size is not accurately reflected by volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) and dose-length product (DLP). Size-specific dose estimation (SSDE) was introduced recently as a new index of radiation dose. However, it has not yet been established as a diagnostic reference level (DRL).

OBJECTIVE

To calculate the SSDE of abdominal/pelvic CT and compare the SSDE with CTDIvol. To calculate the DRLs of CTDIvol and SSDE. Our hypotheses are: SSDE values will be greater than CTDIvol, and our DRL will be smaller than the known DRLs of other countries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The CTDIvol and DLP of 117 children who underwent abdominal/pelvic CT were collected retrospectively. The SSDE was calculated from the sum of the lateral and anteroposterior diameters. The relationships between body weight and effective diameter and between effective diameter and CTDIvol/SSDE were compared. Further, the local DRL was compared with the DRLs of other countries.

RESULTS

Body weight and effective diameter and effective diameter and SSDE were positively correlated. In children ages 1, 5 and 10 years, the SSDE is closer to the exposure dose of CTDIvol for the 16-cm phantom, while in children ages 15 years, the SSDE falls between CTDIvol for the 16-cm phantom and that for the 32-cm phantom. The local DRL was lower than those of other countries.

CONCLUSION

With SSDE, the radiation dose increased with increasing body weight. Since SSDE takes body size into account, it proved to be a useful indicator for estimating the exposure dose.

Contemporary management of abdominal surgical emergencies in infants and children

BACKGROUND

Acute abdominal complaints in children are common presentations in the emergency department. The aetiology, presentation, diagnosis and management often differ from those in adults.

METHODS

This review was based on expert paediatric surgical experience confirmed by evidence from the literature obtained by searching PubMed and the Cochrane Library. Keywords used were the combinations of 'abdominal emergencies', 'acute abdomen' and the disorders 'acute appendicitis', 'intussusception', 'volvulus', 'Meckel's diverticulum', 'incarcerated inguinal hernia', 'testicular torsion' and 'ovarian torsion' with 'children'. Information was included from reviews, randomized clinical trials, meta-analyses, and prospective and retrospective cohort studies.

RESULTS

Presentation and symptoms of abdominal emergencies, especially in young children, vary widely, which renders recognition of the underlying disorder and treatment challenging. Critically targeted imaging techniques are becoming increasingly important in obtaining the correct diagnosis without unnecessary delay. Minimally invasive techniques have become the method of choice for the diagnosis and treatment of many abdominal emergencies in children.

CONCLUSION

Knowledge of abdominal disorders in childhood, their specific presentation, diagnosis and treatment facilitates management of children with acute abdomen in emergency departments. Imaging and minimally invasive techniques are becoming increasingly important in the diagnosis of acute abdomen in children. Urgent operation remains the cornerstone of therapy for most acute abdominal disorders.

Emerging concepts in pediatric emergency radiology

Radiologic studies are a vital component in the workup and diagnosis of disease. An appropriate radiographic study will accurately rule in or rule out disease with the least possible harm. Special considerations are necessary for the imaging of children. Current trends in pediatric imaging support the increased use of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging to decrease radiation exposure. In this review, we highlight some of the emerging concepts in the radiographic workup of pediatric disease, with a focus on decreasing ionizing radiation, increasing ultrasound use, and using clinical decision rules to identify children who do not need imaging.

Thickened gastrointestinal wall findings on computed tomography in children: a reason for endoscopy?

OBJECTIVES

Bowel wall thickening on computed tomography (CT) scans in children may raise concern for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The significance of this radiological finding is unclear. Our purpose was to evaluate the clinical outcomes with regard to IBD in children with no known underlying disease, presenting with abdominal pain and thickened bowel wall on CT scan.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of pediatric patients with abdominal pain and CT findings of thickened bowel wall was performed between 2006 and 2010. Endoscopic findings, clinical variables, and follow-up assessments were evaluated.

RESULTS

Fifty-six patients presenting with abdominal pain and thickened bowel wall findings on CT scan were identified. Overall, 30 (54%) had terminal ileum wall thickening, 17 (30%) had isolated colonic wall thickening, and 9 (16%) had other small bowel wall thickening. Of the 56 patients, 21 (38%) underwent endoscopy, of which 14 (67%) had positive findings-11 (79%) had histologic evidence of chronic colitis, and 5 (36%) had duodenitis/ileitis. Ultimately, 11/56 (20%) were diagnosed as having IBD, 8/56 (14%) with functional abdominal pain/constipation, 9/56 (16%) appendicitis, 10/56 (18%) infectious gastroenteritis, and 18/56 (32%) with miscellaneous diagnoses. Median levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, albumin, and platelet count were significantly abnormal in the IBD group compared to the non-IBD group. Additional follow-up of those who did not undergo endoscopic evaluation revealed no new diagnoses of IBD.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of thickened bowel wall on CT scans is a nonspecific finding in children. Laboratory evaluation may help distinguish which patients require additional evaluation and endoscopy.

A mesenteric hernia complicated with a triple necrotic volvulus

A 6-year-old girl was admitted to the paediatric emergency department with colicky abdominal pain. She had a significant medical history, with four previous admissions due to recurrent abdominal pain in the past year. On examination the abdomen was soft, there was no rebound tenderness and Rovsing's sign was negative. Her blood tests revealed a raised white cells count, although her C reactive protein was within the normal range. Abdominal x-ray revealed small bowel obstruction. During her assessment the patient rapidly deteriorated and seemed to go into shock. Her clinical state in addition to the radiological findings meant that she was taken to theatre for surgical exploration. This showed a triple volvulus with necrotic bowel loops that had herniated through a mesenteric defect. The necrotic bowel was subsequently resected.

Pediatric chest CT after trauma: impact on surgical and clinical management

BACKGROUND

Chest CT after pediatric trauma is frequently performed but its clinical impact, particularly with respect to surgical intervention, has not been adequately evaluated.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of chest CT compared with chest radiography on pediatric trauma management.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two hundred thirty-five consecutive pediatric trauma patients who had both chest CT and radiography were identified. Images were reviewed and findings were categorized and correlated with subsequent chest interventions, blinded to final outcome and management.

RESULTS

Of the 235 children, 38.3% (90/235) had an abnormal chest radiograph and 63.8% (150/235) had an abnormal chest CT (P < 0.0001). Chest interventions followed in 4.7% (11/235); of these, the findings could be made 1 cm above the dome of the liver in 91% (10/11). Findings requiring chest intervention included pneumothorax (PTX) and vertebral fractures. PTX was found on 2.1% (5/235) of chest radiographs and 20.0% (47/235) of chest CTs (P < 0.0001); 1.7% (4/235) of the children received a chest tube for PTX, 0.85% (2/235) seen on chest CT only. Vertebral fractures were present in 3.8% of the children (9/235) and 66.7% (6/9) of those cases were treated with spinal fusion or brace. There were no instances of mediastinal vascular injury.

CONCLUSION

Most intrathoracic findings requiring surgical management in our population were identified in the lower chest and would be included in routine abdominopelvic CT exams; this information needs to be taken into consideration in the diagnostic algorithm of pediatric trauma patients.