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When a pediatric hepatic cystic lesion is identified at imaging, the differential diagnosis may be broad, including developmental, infectious, neoplastic, and posttraumatic or iatrogenic causes. The location of a cystic lesion and its number, size, composition, and relationship to the biliary system are features that help in narrowing the differential diagnosis. An incidentally detected simple hepatic cyst is the most commonly encountered. Ciliated foregut cysts are typically located in hepatic segment IVa. The presence of multiple cysts should raise suspicion for fibropolycystic liver disease, a group of related lesions-including biliary hamartoma and choledochal cyst-caused by abnormal embryologic development of the ductal plate. Communication of the cystic lesion with the biliary tree can confirm the diagnosis of choledochal cyst. In a neonate with jaundice, a cystic lesion at the porta hepatis should raise suspicion for choledochal cyst versus cystic biliary atresia. Hepatic abscess can appear cystlike, though typically with internal contents. In an immunocompromised child, multiple cystlike lesions should raise concern for fungal microabscesses. A complex cystic mass in a young child should raise suspicion for mesenchymal hamartoma, which can evolve into undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma if untreated. Hepatic hematoma and biloma can appear cystlike in children with a history of trauma or recent intervention. In neonates with an umbilical vein catheter (UVC), an intrahepatic cyst along the course of the UVC should raise concern for infusate extravasation. Familiarity with imaging findings and clinical features is essential for achieving accurate diagnosis of pediatric hepatic cystic lesions, which in turn can guide appropriate clinical management.

Acute appendicitis represents the most common abdominal surgical urgency/emergency in children. Imaging remains a central tool in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis and has been shown to facilitate management and decrease the rate of negative appendectomies. The initial consideration for imaging in a child with suspected acute appendicitis is based on clinical assessment, which can be facilitated with published scoring systems. The level of clinical risk (low, intermediate, high) and the clinical scenario (suspicion for complication) define the need for imaging and the optimal imaging modality. In some situations, no imaging is required, while in others ultrasound, CT, or MRI may be appropriate. This review frames the presentation of suspected acute appendicitis in terms of the clinical risk and also discusses the unique situations of the equivocal or nondiagnostic initial ultrasound examination and suspected appendicitis with suspicion for complication (eg, bowel obstruction). The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is the most common hip pathology in infants. Although its exact pathophysiology remains incompletely understood, its long-term prognosis depends not only on the severity of the dysphasia, but also on the timely implementation of appropriate treatment. Unrecognized and untreated hip subluxations and dislocations inevitably lead to early joint degeneration while overtreatment can produce iatrogenic complications, including avascular necrosis of the femoral head. In the past two decades, imaging has become an integral part of the clinical screening, diagnosis, and monitoring of children with DDH. Optimal timing for imaging and appropriate use of imaging can reduce the incidence of late diagnoses and prevent iatrogenic complications. In general, ultrasound of the hips is recommended in infants under the age of 4 months while pelvic radiography is recommended in older infants due to the fact that the femoral head ossific nucleus typically is not formed until 4 to 6 months of age. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Imaging plays in important role in the evaluation of the acutely limping child. The decision-making process about initial imaging must consider the level of suspicion for infection and whether symptoms can be localized. The appropriateness of specific imaging examinations in the acutely limping child to age 5 years is discussed with attention in each clinical scenario to the role of radiography, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Common causes of limping such as toddler's fracture, septic arthritis, transient synovitis, and osteomyelitis are discussed. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.