title: Diagnostic imaging in nontraumatic pediatric head and neck emergencies.
abstract: Evaluation of pediatric patients in the emergency setting is complicated by a limited history and physical examination, which often produce findings that overlap with multiple disease processes. Imaging therefore plays a critical role in achieving an accurate and timely diagnosis. Knowledge of the typical clinical and imaging manifestations of common pediatric head and neck emergencies and congenital abnormalities allows the interpreting radiologist to identify the primary cause of the condition as well as any associated complications that may warrant immediate surgical management. The specific imaging protocol depends on the patient's clinical status. Radiography, ultrasonography, and contrast material-enhanced computed tomography all may be appropriate modalities for an initial examination. In especially difficult or complex cases, magnetic resonance imaging may offer additional detail with respect to the extent of disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Boston University Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 820 Harrison Ave, FGH Bldg, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA. benjamin.ludwig@bmc.org
authors.forename: Benjamin J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Ludwig
authors.forename: Bryan R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Foster
authors.forename: Naoko
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Saito
authors.forename: Rohini N
authors.initials: RN
authors.lastname: Nadgir
authors.forename: Ilse
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Castro-Aragon
authors.forename: Osamu
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Sakai
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000379:methods*; D006257:Head / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D009333:Neck / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D011859:Radiography