Pediatric Abdominal Mass Imaging: Imaging a Child with an Abdominal Mass

Editor:

Simon C. S. Kao, M.D.
Professor
Department of Radiology

The University of Iowa

Peer Review Status: Internally Peer Reviewed
First Published: June 1996
Last Revised: June 1996

Table of Contents

Radiologic evaluation of an infant or child suspected of having an abdominal mass includes (a) demonstrating the presence or absence of a mass, and if present, the extent of the mass, (b) giving a specific pathologic diagnosis, when possible, based on the imaging characteristics, and (c) showing tumor spread. Although the possible etiologies are numerous (see below for reference), the radiologic data, combined with the age of the child and clinical information, will usually allow a specific diagnosis or a very limited differential list. It is important to note that not all abdominal masses are clinically palpable, and not all abdominal masses need to be imaged (e.g. splenomegaly associated with a viral illness or leukemia, unless specific etiology, such as a Candida abscess, is sought).

Disease Based On Age:

Algorithmic Approach To Pediatric Abdominal Mass:

Pediatric Abdominal Mass Case Examples: