CT of pelviabdominal masses in pediatrics: Diagnostic algorithm

Abstract Background Pelviabdominal masses are common in children. It can be a leadig cause of considerable morbidity and mortality. Objective To review the different pelviabdominal masses and their diagnostic criteria using the multidetector CT scans in order to build an approach for diagnosis. Methods A retrospective study, conducted at Ain Shams University hospitals on children complaining of pelviabdominal masses, the patients were investigated using CT scans in the period between June 2018 till end of May 2019. Results pelviabdominal CT scan of 70 patients were reviewed. Their age ranged from 7 days to 18 years old, the mean was 8 years of age (SD ± 5.5). 31 male : 39 female. Abdominal masses of pediatrics were congenital ( 9 case), neoplastic ( 20 cases), inflammatory ( 23 casaes) and post traumatic in origin (3 cases). The most common congenital masses were PUJO, neoplastic were neuroblastomas, inflammatory were abscess. Diagnostic approach should start with determination of the organ of origin followed by determination of its morphology and pattern of contrast enhancement. The kidney was found to be the most common organ of origin in 25.7% of cases followed by the adenxa. Conclusion the organ of origin and morphology of the lesion are key imaging features that will help the radiologist reach a definitive diagnosis or deliver a possible differential diagnosis.