Imaging Non-traumatic Abdominal Emergencies in Pediatric Patients

Book excerpt: This book provides up-to-date, comprehensive, and accurate information on the diagnostic imaging of nontraumatic abdominal emergencies in pediatric patients. All of the most common neonatal and pediatric emergencies are covered, with separate discussion of diseases that occur more commonly in newborns and those typically encountered later in childhood. For each condition, the main signs observed using the various imaging techniques – X-ray, Ultrasonography, Computed Tomography, and Magnetic Resonance – are described and illustrated with the aid of a wealth of images. Attention is drawn to those features of particular relevance to differential diagnosis, and the prognostic value of diagnostic imaging is also explained. The final section addresses topics of special interest, including the acute onset of abdominal neoplasms, the problems associated with radiation protection in the emergency setting, and medicolegal issues and informed content. The book will be of value for all radiologists working in emergency settings in which pediatric patients (newborn and children accessing the emergency department) are regularly examined.