Deborah S. Ablin

Non-accidental injury: confusion with temporary brittle bone disease and mild osteogenesis imperfecta

Accurate diagnosis of non-accidental injury (NAI) can be reached in the majority of cases by careful appraisal of the social and family history, combined with painstaking clinical roentgenographic and other imaging evaluations. Careful review of the scientific literature clearly indicates that collagen analysis to exclude mild forms of osteogenesis imperfecta, especially type IV, is recommended only in rare cases in which diagnosis of NAI remains in doubt even after thorough evaluation by experienced radiologists and/or other physicians. Until clinical research scientifically establishes the existence of temporary brittle bone disease, it should remain strictly a hypothetical entity and not an acceptable medical diagnosis.

Ultrasound and MR imaging of fibromatosis colli (sternomastoid tumor of infancy)

Abstract The sonographic and CT findings of fibromatosis colli (sternomastoid tumor of infancy) have been described, but the MRI appearance has been reported in only one case in which the mass resolved over time. This case describes the detailed MRI findings in a biopsy-proven case of fibromatosis colli; the signal intensity of the mass on T2-weighted images was slightly less than on gradient-recalled T1-weighted images, consistent with the presence of some fibrous tissue within the muscle mass. The involved portion of the muscle was better defined on MRI than sonography. MRI was helpful in demonstrating the signal characteristics of the mass; localizing the mass to within the sternocleidomastoid muscle; and demonstrating clear surrounding fascial planes with lack of associated lymphadenopathy, airway compression, vascular encasement, bone involvement or intracranial/intraspinal extension associated with other neck masses.

Pelvic injuries in child abuse

Three cases of child abuse are described in which pelvic injuries were prominent findings on radiologic examination: Two patients had pelvic fractures, and one was found to have heterotopic ossification of the soft tissues of the pelvis and thighs corresponding to extensive bruising in the pubic, genital, buttock, and thigh areas, resulting from physical and sexual abuse. These represent uncommon radiographic findings. Skeletal survey in cases of suspected child abuse should include the entire pelvis, and special attention should be paid to the ischiopubic rami the most common site of these rare pelvic injuries.

Abdominal tuberculosis in children

Four boys with abdominal tuberculosis, one of whom had acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, are presented. Abdominal imaging findings on plain radiography, ultrasonography, computed tomography, and gastrointestinal contrast studies included tuberculous peritonitis and ascites in all patients, tuberculous adenopathy in two, gastrointestinal tuberculosis in two, and omental tuberculosis in two. The radiographic features particularly characteristic of abdominal tuberculosis were: (1) low attenuating adenopathy with rim enhancement, (2) omental or ileocecal inflammatory mass, (3) high density ascites, and (4) gastrointestinal enteritis involving the ileocecal region. All patients had acidfast bacilli identified in cultures of bodily fluids and/or pathologic specimens and three patients had cultures positive forMycobacterium tuberculosis. The patient with a negative culture had a positive PPD skin test and a surgical specimen showing caseating granulomata and acid-fast bacilli in the omentum. The radiologist must maintain a high degree of suspicion for abdominal tuberculosis particularly in normal or immunosuppressed children with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Fine needle aspiration and biopsy of abdominal adenopathy, inflammatory mass or ascites may be necessary for diagnosis.Four boys with abdominal tuberculosis, one of whom had acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, are presented. Abdominal imaging findings on plain radiography, ultrasonography, computed tomography, and gastrointestinal contrast studies included tuberculous peritonitis and ascites in all patients, tuberculous adenopathy in two, gastrointestinal tuberculosis in two, and omental tuberculosis in two. The radiographic features particularly characteristic of abdominal tuberculosis were: (1) low attenuating adenopathy with rim enhancement, (2) omental or ileocecal inflammatory mass, (3) high density ascites, and (4) gastrointestinal enteritis involving the ileocecal region. All patients had acidfast bacilli identified in cultures of bodily fluids and/or pathologic specimens and three patients had cultures positive forMycobacterium tuberculosis. The patient with a negative culture had a positive PPD skin test and a surgical specimen showing caseating granulomata and acid-fast bacilli in the omentum. The radiologist must maintain a high degree of suspicion for abdominal tuberculosis particularly in normal or immunosuppressed children with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Fine needle aspiration and biopsy of abdominal adenopathy, inflammatory mass or ascites may be necessary for diagnosis.

Antenatal Diagnosis and Treatment of Fetal Bronchopulmonary Sequestration

Bronchopulmonary sequestration with associated nonimmune hydrops has been previously reported with generally poor prognosis for the neonate. We report a case of bronchopulmonary sequestration and associated pleural effusion successfully managed with a transthoracic catheter placement. The embryology and clinical pathophysiology of bronchopulmonary sequestration are discussed.

Imaging findings in patients with-right lower quadrant pain: alternative diagnoses to appendicitis.

Patients with right lower quadrant (RLQ) pain referred for imaging studies with a clinical diagnosis of appendicitis may have other pathologic conditions mimicking appendicitis. Appropriate diagnostic imaging may establish other specific diagnoses and thereby play a significant role in determining proper medical or surgical treatment. In this pictorial essay, we present a spectrum of imaging findings in patients whose clinical features were suggestive of appendicitis, but the diagnoses of a broad spectrum of other diseases were established with the imaging studies. The differential diagnoses of diseases mimicking appendicitis are reviewed.

Giant cystic hygroma of the posterior mediastiunum

The case of a 5-year-old girl with a giant cystic hygroma of the posterior mediastinum is reported. Although the tumor was bilateral, it was excised by unilateral thoractomy. The unique anatomical features of this tumor suggested an embryologic origin from the cisterna chyli or the primitive paired thoracic ducts.

CT, MRI, and color Doppler ultrasound correlation of pancreatoblastoma: A case report

Pancreatic neoplasms in childhood are rare but should be considered in the differential diagnosis of masses in the region of the lesser sac. A case of pancreatoblastoma in a 3 1/2-year-old boy is presented. The patient was studied with US, CT, and MR imaging.

Esophageal perforation with mediastinal abscess in child abuse

A case of mediastinitis and mediastinal abscess due to cervical esophageal perforation in a 9 1/2 month old girl who was a victim of child abuse and possible sexual assault is reported. Injury to the hypopharynx or esophagus with child abuse as a possible etiology should be considered when an infant or young child presents with unexplained erythematous neck swelling, subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum and/or wide mediastinum.

Stapled partial splenectomy for splenic abscess in a child

This is the case report of a boy with a splenic abscess that was successfully treated by partial splenectomy using an automatic stapler. The abscess was caused by Serratia marcescens, a nosocomial pathogen.