title: Primary liver tumors in pediatric patients: proper imaging technique for diagnosis and staging.
abstract: Liver tumors in children are rare and comprise a diverse set of both benign and malignant lesions, most of which are not clinically detected until they are large and often difficult to resect. Technological advances in diagnostic imaging have greatly influenced the surgical planning of these lesions and ultimately the clinical outcome. The intent of this article is to present an imaging algorithm for the effective and efficient workup of liver tumors in pediatric patients. This includes the appropriate timing and use of various imaging modalities, such as conventional radiographs, ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. This article also addresses the use of sedation, intravenous contrast agents, and the benefits and limitations of specific imaging modalities. An overview of the radiologic and pathologic findings in common liver lesions in pediatric patients, as well as individual case examples demonstrating the use of the proposed workup algorithm, is provided.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA. Electronic address: joerozell@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Joseph M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Rozell
authors.affiliation: Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA.
authors.forename: Tara
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Catanzano
authors.affiliation: Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA.
authors.forename: Stanley M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Polansky
authors.affiliation: Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA.
authors.forename: Dmitry
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rakita
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA.
authors.forename: Lindsay
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Fox
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003287:Contrast Media; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008099:Liver / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000379:methods; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media