Emergency Imaging of the Nontraumatic Pediatric Head and Neck

Pediatric patients present emergently with a wide variety of infectious, inflammatory, congenital, traumatic, and neoplastic conditions. Imaging plays a crucial role in distinguishing among the potential diagnoses, as often, history and physical exam is limited in these young sick patients. Understanding the imaging appearance of the range of conditions which are commonly encountered and their potential complications, facilitates appropriate and expedient management. The radiologist must recognize the benefits of the various imaging modalities available and help the clinician choose among the possibilities depending on the clinical status of the patient.