Gastrointestinal pathology is relatively common in children. The clinical history as well as an understanding of disease categories affecting children of different age groups are of critical importance when formulating a differential diagnosis. In this chapter, we discuss obstructive, inflammatory, and traumatic causes of gastrointestinal pathology in children.
Imaging is an essential component in the diagnostic workup of children presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms. Several imaging modalities are well-suited to evaluate the gastrointestinal tract and are widely available in many institutions. Due to the increasing use/value of medical imaging over the last several decades, limiting exposure to ionizing radiation is paramount especially in this radiosensitive patient population. Consequently, pediatric imaging should focus on obtaining a sensitive and specific, high-yield examination, a task which involves judicious selection of the appropriate modality as well as performing an age and disease specific/optimized imaging technique. This chapter will give an overview of common pediatric gastrointestinal diseases and their imaging findings which should be recognized by all radiologists.
Copyright 2018, The Author(s).