Imaging findings in pediatric adrenocortical carcinoma

Background. Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), a tumor that is rare among children, causes clinically evident hormonal disturbances. Imaging methods are used to stage disease and to plan surgical resection.¶Objective. To describe the findings of the various imaging methods used to evaluate ACC.¶Materials and methods. We reviewed the records of ten consecutive patients (mean age, 8.1 years) who presented from 1987 to 1998 with ACC. All patients underwent computed tomography (CT) scanning; five underwent magnetic resonance (MR) imaging; four underwent ultrasonography (US); and eight underwent radionuclide bone scans.¶Results. Seven patients presented with signs of hormonally functional tumors. Typical imaging findings consisted of a large, well-defined suprarenal tumor, containing calcifications (seven patients) with a thin capsule and central necrosis or hemorrhage (six patients). The inferior vena cava (IVC) was compressed by tumor in three patients, and ultrasonography demonstrated invasion of the IVC wall in one of these. Three patients' bone scans showed that the primary tumor took up radioactive tracer. Spread to lungs or liver or both was demonstrated in six patients.¶Conclusions. CT, US and MR imaging are effective methods of imaging the primary tumor. Chest CT and bone scintigraphy should be performed to detect metastases. The presence of a thin tumor capsule, a stellate central zone of necrosis, and evidence of hormonal function help distinguish ACC from neuroblastoma.     

Acute appendicitis in children: comparison of clinical diagnosis with ultrasound and CT imaging

Background. There is strong evidence that imaging with ultrasound and CT can be of substantial diagnostic value in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in children, but there is limited information of the impact of imaging on the management of these patients and its possible effect on surgical findings.¶Objective. We studied the impact of imaging in the management of acute appendicitis, in particular its effect on the rate of negative appendectomies and perforations.¶Patients and methods. We reviewed retrospectively the clinical records and imaging findings of 633 consecutive children and adolescents seen on an emergency basis with clinical suspicion of acute appendicitis. Two hundred seventy patients were operated upon on clinical evidence alone, while 360 were referred for US or CT, and occasionally both, because of doubtful clinical findings.¶Results. Acute appendicitis was found in 237 of those on clinical grounds alone, 68 of whom had perforation and related complications. Thus the rate of negative exploration and the rate of perforation were13 % and 29 %, respectively. One hundred eighty-two patients had preoperative US (sensitivity 74 %, specificity 94 %), 119 had CT (sensitivity 84 %, specificity 99 %), and 59 had both US and CT (sensitivity 75 %, specificity 100 %, but often with interpretation at variance with each other). The rate of negative appendectomy and perforation was 8 % and 23 %, respectively, for US, 5 % and 54 % for CT, and 9 % and 71 % when both examinations were performed. There is no statistical significance between the rates of diagnostic performance of US, CT, or their combination, nor between the negative appendectomy rates of each group, but the rate of perforation was significantly higher when CT was performed, alone or after US.¶Conclusion. The retrospective nature of the study prevents precise definition of the clinical characteristics and selection criteria for diagnostic examinations that may contribute to the management of children with suspected acute appendicitis. It was designed, however, to reflect the diagnostic approach and management of these patients, under the care of many decision makers and interpreters of imaging examinations, prevalent today in most hospital-based clinical practices. It is suggested that imaging increases diagnostic accuracy in difficult cases, but it might be one of the factors increasing the rate of perforations.     

MRI in the management of scaphoid fractures in skeletally immature patients

Background. The scaphoid is the commonest fractured carpal bone, but excluding a scaphoid fracture with plain radiographs is difficult. Other imaging modalities are being increasingly evaluated in the management of scaphoid injuries. MRI has been shown to be of considerable value in the adult population but there have been limited studies of its use in children.¶Purpose. To evaluate the role of MRI in the acute management of suspected scaphoid injuries in children.¶Methods and materials. Fifty-six children (57 injuries) who had a suspected scaphoid injury underwent MRI within 10 days of their initial trauma. The results of MRI were used to dictate management of the injury.¶Results. In 33 (58 %) of the 57 injuries, MRI was normal and the patient was discharged from care. In 16 cases (28 %), a fractured scaphoid was diagnosed and appropriate treatment started early. Additionally, other fractures around the wrist joint and ganglion cysts were demonstrated on MRI.¶Conclusions. MRI of acute scaphoid injuries in children significantly alters management. Those children with normal scans are discharged earlier. Scaphoid fractures are confirmed earlier and other pathological conditions are also detected.     

Imaging diagnosis of retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma in childhood

Purpose. To demonstrate the typical appearance of retroperitoneal ganglioneuromas on CT and MRI.¶Materials and methods. Retrospective analysis of diagnostic imaging (five CT scans, three MRI scans) in five children aged 3–15 years with the histological diagnosis of ganglioneuroma.¶Results. The scans showed large (maximum 11 cm diameter), round or oval tumours with sharply defined margins. Intraspinal tumour involvement occurred in two cases. Comparing CT with MRI, MRI was more accurate in defining the intraspinal involvement. The ganglioneuromas were hypodense on unenhanced CT and showed moderate enhancement with administration of contrast medium. In three patients, CT demonstrated tumour calcification with a disseminated speckled pattern. On T1-weighted MRI the tumours were homogeneous and hypointense, showing marked enhancement after gadolinium administration. On T2-weighted scans the tumours were hyperintense.¶Conclusion. At the time of diagnosis, retroperitoneal ganglioneuromas are generally large tumours that can be shown well by CT and MRI. The appearance on CT more readily suggests the diagnosis, but MRI is superior for documenting local or intraspinal tumour extension and lacks radiation load.     

Enterobacter sakazakii brain abscess in the neonate: the importance of neuroradiologic imaging

Background. Enterobacter sakazakii is a rare but important cause of life-threatening neonatal sepsis and meningitis complicated by the development of brain abscess.¶Objective. Given the neurotropic qualities of this organism, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial as a poor prognosis follows brain abscess formation.¶Materials and methods. Cross-sectional imaging (CT and MRI) play an important role in the diagnostic work-up.¶Conclusion. A biopsy-proven case of E. sakazakii brain abscess, which was diagnosed on MR images, is presented, and the importance of prompt radiologic imaging of the central nervous system in the work-up of patients with this life-threatening disease is discussed.     

Three-dimensional spiral CT of craniofacial malformations in children

Objective. To assess the value of three-dimensional CT (3D CT) in the diagnosis and management of suspected paediatric craniofacial malformations.¶Materials and methods. Twenty-eight children (12 girls, 16 boys) with a mean age of 4 years, suffering from craniofacial or cervical malformations, underwent craniofacial spiral CT. 3D reformatting was performed using an independent workstation.¶Results. 3D CT allowed the preoperative evaluation of 16 patients with craniosynostosis and the post-surgical management of 2 patients. 3D CT clearly depicted malformations of the skull base involving the petrous bone in seven patients (four cases of Goldenhar-Gorlin syndrome, one case of Treacher-Collins syndrome and two cases of Crouzon's disease). Four patients with craniofacial clefts were also evaluated. Radiological findings were confirmed by the clinical and intraoperative findings in all patients that underwent surgical treatment. Movement artefacts and “Lego effect” related to abrupt change of cranial vault border were encountered and are discussed.¶Conclusions. 3D CT of the skull can safely and reliably identify paediatric craniofacial malformations involving bone, and it should be used as morphological mapping to help the surgeon in planning surgical treatment.     

Association of initial CT findings with quality-of-life outcomes for traumatic brain injury in children

Background

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of acquired disability in children and adolescents.

Objective

To demonstrate the association between specific findings on initial noncontrast head CT and long-term outcomes in children who have suffered TBI.

Materials and methods

This was an IRB-approved prospective study of children ages 2–17?years treated in emergency departments for TBI and who underwent a head CT as part of the initial work-up (n?=?347). The change in quality of life at 12?months after injury was measured by the PedsQL scale.

Results

Children with TBI who had intracranial injuries identified on the initial head CT had a significantly lower quality-of-life scores compared to children with TBI whose initial head CTs were normal. In multivariate analysis, children whose initial head CT scans demonstrated intraventricular hemorrhage, parenchymal injury, midline shift ≥5?mm, hemorrhagic shear injury, abnormal cisterns or subdural hematomas ≥3?mm had lower quality of life scores 1?year after injury than children whose initial CTs did not have these same injuries.

Conclusion

Associations exist between findings from the initial noncontrast head CT and quality of life score 12?months after injury in children with TBI.     

Usefulness of MRI detection of cervical spine and brain injuries in the evaluation of abusive head trauma

Background

In the evaluation of children younger than 3 years with intracranial hemorrhage it can be difficult to determine whether the cause of hemorrhage was traumatic, and if so, whether abusive head trauma (AHT) is a possibility. Cervical spine MRI is not a routine part of the nationally recommended imaging workup for children with suspected abusive head trauma. There is increasing evidence that spinal injuries are found at autopsy or MRI in abused children. However the prevalence of cervical spine injuries in children evaluated for abusive head trauma is unknown. We sought to determine both the incidence and the spectrum of cervical spine and brain injuries in children being evaluated for possible abusive head trauma. We also examined the relationship between cervical and brain MRI findings and selected study outcome categories.

Materials and methods

This study is a 3-year retrospective review of children evaluated for abusive head trauma. Inclusion criteria were: children with head trauma seen at our institution between 2008 and 2010, age younger than 36 months, availability of diagnostic-quality brain and cervical spine MRI, and child abuse team involvement because abusive head trauma was a possibility. A child abuse pediatrician and pediatric radiologists, all with board certification, were involved in data collection, image interpretation and data analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata v12.1.

Results

The study included 74 children (43 boys, 31 girls) with a mean age of 164 days (range, 20–679 days). Study outcomes were categorized as: n?=?26 children with accidental head trauma, n?=?38 with abusive head trauma (n?=?18 presumptive AHT, n?=?20 suspicious for AHT), and n?=?10 with undefined head trauma. We found cervical spine injuries in 27/74 (36%) children. Most cervical spine injuries were ligamentous injuries. One child had intrathecal spinal blood and two had spinal cord edema; all three of these children had ligamentous injury. MRI signs of cervical injury did not show a statistically significant relationship with a study outcome of abusive head trauma or help discriminate between accidental and abusive head trauma. Of the 30 children with supratentorial brain injury, 16 (53%) had a bilateral hypoxic–ischemic pattern. There was a statistically significant relationship between bilateral hypoxic–ischemic brain injury pattern and abusive head trauma (P?<?0.05). In addition, the majority (81%) of children with bilateral hypoxic–ischemic brain injuries had cervical injuries.

Conclusion

Although detection of cervical spine injuries by MRI does not discriminate between accidental and abusive head trauma, it can help to distinguish a traumatic from non-traumatic intracranial subdural hemorrhage. Cervical MRI should be considered in children with acute intracranial bleeds and otherwise non-contributory history, physical examination and ophthalmological findings. There is a statistically significant relationship between diffuse hypoxic–ischemic brain injury patterns and abusive head trauma. The high incidence of cervical injuries in children with hypoxic–ischemic injuries suggests a causal relationship. Overall, increased utilization of brain and spine MRI in children being evaluated for abusive head trauma can be helpful.     

Disseminated lymphangiomatosis presenting with massive chylothorax

Background. Lymphangiomatosis is a disease characterized by involvement of various body constituents and can involve the skeletal system, connective tissues, and visceral organs.¶Materials and methods. We present a case of a 9-year-old girl where this entity presented with extensive right-sided chylothorax. Conventional imaging, including skeletal scintigraphy and contrast enhanced CT of the chest and abdomen, may have underestimated the extent of the disease, as seen on follow-up T2-weighted MR images of the chest and abdomen in our case.¶Results. MRI easily demonstrated additional bone lesions as well as multiple small splenic lesions, which were difficult to appreciate on prior CT examinations.¶Conclusion. We suggest that MRI may be helpful to assess the extent of this disease more accurately.     

Hepatic regenerating nodules: a mimic of recurrent cancer in children

Background. Pseudometastatic lesions of the liver may be discovered incidentally in children previously treated for malignant tumour.¶Objective. To describe the radiological pattern of these lesions and to analyse their pathogenesis.¶Materials and methods. Nine children, 2–12 years' old at the time of diagnosis, are described in this retrospective multicentre report. The primary tumours were: nephroblastoma (n = 2), neuroblastoma (n = 2), Ewing's tumour/PNET (n = 2), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (n = 1), and osteosarcoma (n = 2), treated by surgery (8/9), chemotherapy (9/9), intensive chemotherapy and bone-marrow transplantation (5/9), and radiotherapy (7/9). Three children suffered veno-occlusive disease (VOD) during treatment. The hepatic assessment was performed by sonography (8/9), Doppler (7/9), multiphase spiral CT (8/9) and MRI (7/9).¶Results. Lesions were discovered 15 months to 16 years after completing treatment. CT was the most sensitive modality for diagnosis. Lesions were multiple in eight cases, measured 2–50 mm, and appeared hypervascular on the arterial phase of CT and/or MRI in every case. Metastases were excluded on the basis of histological verification (n = 2) and clinical and radiological follow-up.¶Conclusion. Pseudometastatic hypervascular hepatic nodules can appear after treatment of a malignant tumour in children. The hypothesis of benign regenerative lesions secondary to treatment and/or VOD is considered.     

Further report of small-bowel intussusceptions related to gastrojejunostomy tubes

Background. The use of gastrojejunostomy (GJ) tubes for feeding pediatric patients who have inadequate oral intake, cannot tolerate gastric feeding, or have significant gastroesophageal reflux may present problems.¶Objective. To report our experience of intussusception associated with GJ tubes, with emphasis on risk factors.¶Materials and methods. Clinical histories and imaging studies were reviewed for all patients with GJ tube-associated intussusceptions at our institution from January 1995 to March 1999.¶Results. Of 251 GJ tubes inserted, 40 (16 %) intussusceptions occurred in 30 patients (20 males). They ranged in age from 3 months to 17 years (mean 2.6 years) and in weight from 3 to 90 kg (mean 12.5 kg). The underlying diagnosis varied. The main symptom was bilious vomiting. The initial diagnosis was made by sonography in 19 cases and fluoroscopy in 21. Intussusceptions recurred eight times in patients with a distal pigtail (n = 17) but only twice in patients without the distal pigtail (n = 18).¶Conclusions. GJ-tube related intussusception is a common, easily diagnosed problem. Predisposing factors appear to be male sex, young children, and presence of a distal pigtail on the tube. Awareness of intussusception is imperative for prompt diagnosis to achieve feeding tolerance.     

Imaging of spinal injury in abusive head trauma: a retrospective study

Background

Spinal imaging has been a neglected part of abusive head trauma (AHT) imaging. As most of the radiographs and CT spine are negative in AHT in infants, the cervical spine is assumed to be normal. There is increasing evidence in the role of injury to brainstem and cervical cord in the pathogenesis of AHT. In addition, in courts of law, there is fierce debate about AHT, its mimics and other disparate nontraumatic diagnoses explaining the neuroradiological and skeletal findings. However, this discussion ignores the evidence and significance of spinal injury. We sought to study the cervical spine in an AHT cohort to understand the true prevalence of spinal injuries in AHT and contrast it with cohorts of accidental and nontraumatic groups to give the clinicians a robust diagnostic tool in evaluating AHT.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to compare the relative incidence of spinal ligamentous and soft-tissue abnormalities on spinal MRI among three groups of children ages <48 months: 1) those with AHT, 2) those with accidental trauma, and 3) those with nontraumatic conditions.

Materials and methods

This comparative study included 183 children who underwent spine MRI: 67 with AHT, 46 with accidental trauma and a clinical suspicion of spinal injury, and 70 with nontraumatic conditions. Clinical and radiographic findings were collected in all cases and were analyzed retrospectively to identify MRI evidence of traumatic spinal injuries. The incidence of spinal injuries among the three groups was compared. The incidence of spinal ligamentous injuries was calculated for those with and without radiographic evidence of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. All comparisons were performed using Fisher exact test with P?Results Cervical spine ligamentous injuries (predominantly the nuchal, atlanto-occipital and atlanto-axial ligaments) were present in 78% of the AHT group, 46% of the accidental trauma group and 1% of the nontraumatic group; all of these differences were statistically significant. Among the AHT group, ligamentous injuries were statistically correlated with evidence of brain ischemia.

Conclusion

Injury to the cervical spinal posterior ligamentous complex is common in AHT and even more prevalent than in clinically symptomatic traumatic cases. The high correlation between the radiographic findings of occipitocervical ligamentous injuries and hypoxic-ischemic brain injury is consistent with an interpretation that transient upper occipitocervical spinal cord injury in AHT leads to disordered breathing and results in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. We recommend imaging the entire spine in AHT to properly identify and classify these injuries.     

Three-dimensional (3D) contrast-enhanced power Doppler imaging in Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease

Background. The revascularization process of the femoral head in Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease has not been well studied on Doppler images. We incorporated two relatively new developments in ultrasound: 3D power Doppler imaging combined with the use of contrast agents.¶Patients and methods. We studied two children with unilateral Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease through anterior-sagittal approaches with pre- and post-contrast power Doppler images, acquired in 2D and 3D planes.¶Results. In one patient, intraosseous vessels were detected only in the pathological femoral head both pre- and post-contrast administration. In the other, no flow was identifiable without the use of contrasts.¶Conclusion. The use of ultrasound contrast agents combined with 3D imaging modalities offers new alternative methods for visualization of intraosseous vascularity.     

Ultrasound diagnosis of luckenschadel (lacunar skull)

Background. The neuroradiologic findings in the Chiari II malformation are well known. Luckenschadel (lacunar skull) is commonly seen in patients with Chiari II on plain film and with computed tomography (CT). However, the sonographic appearance of luckenschadel has not previously been described.¶Objective. To evaluate the presence or absence of luckenschadel on neurosonograms from infants with myelomeningocele.¶Materials and methods. Twenty-one neurosonograms in patients with myelomeningocele were reviewed for the presence of an irregular inner calvarial table indicative of luckenschadel. The degree of irregularity was graded and compared with CT and plain film when available. The ventricular index was calculated from the ultrasound (US) studies and correlated with degree of luckenschadel using one-way analysis of variance.¶Results. Nine patients had marked findings of luckenschadel, nine had mild findings, and three had normal US exams. There was no correlation between the degree of sonographic luckenschadel and the ventricular index.¶Conclusion. The finding of luckenschadel adds to the spectrum of abnormalities of the Chiari II malformation diagnosed by US.     

Management of traumatic bile duct injuries in children

Purpose

Pediatric experience with biliary tract injuries (BTI) is limited and mostly consists of case presentations. The purpose of this study is to evaluate clinical and radiological findings of possible BTI, treatment strategies, and results.

Methods

The records of nine patients with the diagnosis of BTI between July 2009 and November 2017 were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

There were seven boys and two girls (mean 8.05?±?4.39 years). The mechanisms were motor vehicle occupant, fall, crush and gunshot wound. Hepatic laceration routes that extended into the porta hepatis and contracted the gall bladder were demonstrated on computerized tomography (CT). Bile duct injury was diagnosed with bile leakage from the thoracic tube (n?=?2), from the abdominal drain (n?=?2) and by paracentesis (n?=?5). Extrahepatic (n?=?8) and intrahepatic (n?=?1) bile duct injuries were diagnosed by cholangiography. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography, sphincterotomy, and stent placement were successfully completed in five patients. Peritoneal drainage stopped after 3–17 days of procedure in four patients. The fifth patient was operated with the diagnosis of cystic duct avulsion. Cholecystectomies, primary repair of laceration, cystic duct ligation, and Roux-en-Y hepatoportoenterostomy were performed in the remaining four patients. All patients presented with clinically normal findings, normal liver functions, and normal ultrasonographic findings in the follow-up period.

Conclusions

The presentation of the parenchymal injury extending to the porta hepatis with contracted gall bladder on CT and diffuse homogenous abdominal fluid should be considered as signs of BTI. We suggest a multi-disciplinary approach for the diagnosis and treatment of BTIs. Surgery may be indicated according to the patient’s clinical condition, radiological findings and failure of non-operative treatment.

     

Vertebral osteoid osteoma masquerading as a malignant bone or soft-tissue tumor on MRI

Purpose. Four pediatric patients were sent to our institution with the diagnosis of soft-tissue/malignant bone tumor. In all cases an MRI was the initial study performed for neck or back pain. All were surgically proven to have an osteoid osteoma/osteoblastoma (OO) as a final diagnosis. The MRI findings are reviewed.¶Methods. Four patients, three boys and one girl, ranging in age from 5 to 17 years, presented with symptoms of neck or back pain for 2 months to 2 years. Two had neurological findings. All patients underwent MRI.¶Results. All MRIs demonstrated decreased T1 signal and increased T2 signal in the soft tissues and bone surrounding the lesions consistent with edema. Enhancement was observed in the adjacent soft tissues and in the lesion nidus retrospectively.¶Conclusion. Investigating neck or back pain with an initial MRI may lead to misleading diagnoses unless the radiologist is aware of the typical MRI appearance of vertebral osteoid osteoma.     

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver: case report of a 13-year-old girl and review of the literature

Background. Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) of the liver is a multi-acinar regenerative nodular lesion in a non-cirrhotic liver. It is a rare entity, especially in children, and remains of unknown aetiology.¶Objective. NRH is often seen in association with other diseases or drug intake. In half of patients it is complicated by portal hypertension. Radiologically, its nodular appearance may look like neoplasia.¶Results. We report a case of NRH with enormous hepatomegaly and multiple huge nodules.¶Conclusion. We wish to emphasise the importance of open wedge biopsy to establish diagnosis, since the prognosis of NRH in the absence of portal hypertension is good. Complications such as rupture of a nodule are rare.     

Imaging features of Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex (MAC) in children with AIDS

Purpose. The purpose of this paper was to review the imaging features of Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex (MAC) in 16 pediatric patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).¶Materials and methods. We reviewed the pertinent clinical records of 16 children diagnosed with MAC between January 1990 and June 1998. These 16 cases were blood- or biopsy-proven to have MAC infection. Their plain films, abdominal, and chest CT scans were then reviewed and the findings were analyzed with reference to the few reported cases of children with MAC.¶Results. Abdominal findings: all but one had retroperitoneal adenopathy, mesenteric adenopathy or both. Ten patients had hepatomegaly, while nine patients were found to have splenomegaly. Four patients had nonspecific thickened gallbladder wall, while intestinal wall thickening and thickened stomach folds were identified in six of ten patients. Necrotic, fluid-filled nodes were also found. Chest findings included mediastinal adenopathy, cystic/cavitary lesions and bronchiectasis. One patient developed a fistula between the mediastinal lymph nodes, esophagus, and bronchial tree.¶Conclusion. Pediatric patients with HIV who develop MAC infection may present with massive lymph-node enlargement. This can occur not only in mesenteric and retroperitoneal nodes but also in hilar and posterior mediastinal nodes as well. As in MTB infection, these nodes can break down with development of fistulous tracts to both esophagus and adjacent lung. The major differential diagnostic consideration besides MTB is lymphoma.     

A comparison between scintigraphy and computed abdominal tomography in blunt liver and spleen injuries in children

Fifty consecutive paediatric patients with objective clinical signs of blunt abdominal trauma underwent both computed abdominal tomography (CT) and liver-spleen scintigraphy (LSS). All were managed non-operatively with no morbidity or mortality. Five splenic and 13 liver injuries were visualised on CT while LSS revealed 9 splenic and 29 liver injuries. Where injury to either organ was detected by both modalities, there was good correlation anatomically and also as to the extent of injury. LSS demonstrated injuries not shown on CT, which appeared to detect only more extensive injuries. We conclude that scintigraphy may be the more sensitive and therefore more appropriate method when blunt injury to the liver and spleen alone is clinically suspected. Abdominal CT remains the early investigation of choice in patients with clinical evidence of haemoperitoneum associated with shock or multiple injuries, particularly when injury to the kidneys as well as to the liver and spleen is suspected or when a concomitant brain scan is indicated. Offprint requests to: D. H. Bass