Imaging of the inguinal canal in children

Abstract

The inguinal canal is often seen at the edge of the field of view on plain radiography, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging and may often not be scanned when performing sonography of the scrotum or abdomen. As a result, pathology in this anatomical region may be easily overlooked. The peculiar embryology of the inguinal canal makes the identification of pathology in the inguinal region significant, as some of the processes that take place within the scrotum may originate in the abdomen, and vice versa. This article reviews the relevant embryology of the inguinal canal, discusses abdominal and scrotal conditions that involve the inguinal region, and illustrates associated pathology.