Imaging of Pancreatitis in Children

Abstract

Pancreatitis in children has become more recognized over the past decade. Recent studies published by the INSPPIRE (INternational Study Group of Pediatric Pancreatitis: In Search for a CuRE) Group categorizes pediatric pancreatitis according to various etiologies and clinical course of disease in acute pancreatitis (AP), acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) and chronic pancreatitis. Imaging modalities help fulfill the diagnosis of AP in cases of atypical clinical context, while imaging also completes the major diagnostic criteria in CP. Ultrasound is the modality of choice to evaluate children with AP. Computed tomography should be reserved to assess the severity of complicated AP, or in the acute traumatic setting due to radiation concerns in children. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography is used for the evaluation of underlying pancreaticobiliary structural abnormalities and for diagnosing CP. The etiologies of pediatric pancreatitis are diverse and unique including biliary stones, pancreaticobiliary structural abnormalities, genetic mutationrelated, drugs, trauma, systemic diseases and autoimmune-related cause. This article provides a pictorial review of the imaging modalities and findings related to the clinical course and etiologies of pediatric pancreatitis (AP, ARP and CP).