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Anorectal and cloacal malformations are a broad mix of congenital abnormalities related to the distal rectum and anus. Confusion exists between all the forms in this large and heterogeneous group. The spectrum includes everything from anal stenosis, ventral anus, anal atresia (with and without fistula) and the full spectrum of cloacal malformations. Imaging in these conditions is done through the whole armamentarium of radiologic modalities, with very different imaging strategies seen across the centres where these conditions are managed. In 2017, the European Society of Paediatric Radiology (ESPR) abdominal imaging task force issued recommendations on the imaging algorithm and standards for imaging anorectal malformations. This was followed by further letters and clarifications together with an active multispecialty session on the different imaging modalities for anorectal malformations at the 2018 ESPR meeting in Berlin. Through this paper, the abdominal task force updates its guidelines and recommended imaging algorithm for anorectal malformations.Other Information Published in: Pediatric Radiology License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0See article on publisher's website: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00247-022-05395-7

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has been increasingly used in pediatric radiology practice worldwide. For nearly two decades, CEUS applications have been performed with the off-label use of gas-containing second-generation ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs). Since 2016, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the UCA Lumason for three pediatric indications: the evaluation of focal liver lesions and echocardiography via intravenous administration and the assessment of vesicoureteral reflux via intravesical application (contrast-enhanced voiding urosonography, ceVUS). Prior to the FDA approval of Lumason, numerous studies with the use of second-generation UCAs had been conducted in adults and children. Comprehensive protocols for clinical safety evaluations have demonstrated the highly favorable safety profile of UCA for intravenous, intravesical and other intracavitary uses. The safety data on CEUS continue to accumulate as this imaging modality is increasingly utilized in clinical settings worldwide. As of August 2021, 57 pediatric-only original research studies encompassing a total of 4,518 children with 4,906 intravenous CEUS examinations had been published. As in adults, there were a few adverse events; the majority of these were non-serious, although very rarely serious anaphylactic reactions were reported. In the published pediatric-only intravenous CEUS studies included in our analysis, the overall incidence rate of serious adverse events was 0.22% (10/4,518) of children and 0.20% (10/4,906) of all CEUS examinations. Non-serious adverse events from the intravenous CEUS were observed in 1.20% (54/4,518) of children and 1.10% (54/4,906) of CEUS examinations. During the same time period, 31 studies with the intravesical use of UCA were conducted in 12,362 children. A few non-serious adverse events were encountered (0.31%; 38/12,362), but these were most likely attributable to the bladder catheterization rather than the UCA. Other developing clinical applications of UCA in children, including intracavitary and intralymphatic, are ongoing. To date, no serious adverse events have been reported with these applications. This article reviews the existing pediatric CEUS literature and provides an overview of safety-related information reported from UCA uses in children.

Ultrasound (US) has been increasingly used as an important imaging tool to assess the urethra in children. The earliest reports of pediatric urethral sonography involved imaging the urethra in a non-voiding state, during physiological voiding of urine, and after instillation of saline. The introduction of US contrast agents has continued to improve visualization of urethral anatomy. Contrast-enhanced US of the urethra can be performed during the voiding phase of a standard contrast-enhanced voiding urosonography (ceVUS) exam or with retrograde instillation of a contrast agent, depending on the exam indication. Both techniques are well tolerated by children and provide accurate information about urethral pathology and periurethral soft tissues. This article reviews the technical aspects and imaging findings of urethral pathologies in children using contrast-enhanced US, both by the voiding and retrograde instillation techniques.

BackgroundChronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) is an autoinflammatory bone disorder affecting children and adolescents. Previously classified as a rare disease, recent studies suggest a higher incidence of the disease. CNO may develop into the clinical presentation of chronic recurrent osteomyelitis (CRMO) with high relapse rate and multifocality.Main bodyDiagnosis of CNO/CRMO is often delayed, with implications for disease severity and relapse rate. This can be significantly improved by knowledge of the disease entity and its characteristics. Imaging plays a key role in diagnosis, differential diagnosis and therapy monitoring. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has several advantages compared to other imaging methods and is increasingly applied in clinical studies. Recent studies show that a whole-body (WB) coverage (WB-MRI) without contrast agent administration is a rational approach. This educational review is based on a systematic analysis of international peer-reviewed articles and presents our own clinical experiences. It provides an overview of disease entity, incidence and clinical diagnosis. The role of imaging, especially of whole-body MRI, is discussed in detail. Finally, practical advice for imaging, including flowcharts explaining when and how to apply imaging, is provided.ConclusionKnowing the specifics of CNO/CRMO and the importance of MRI/whole-body MRI allows rapid and efficient diagnosis as well as therapy support and helps to avoid irreversible secondary damage.

Cerebrospinal fluid flow dynamics serve as an important biomarker to guide medical and/or surgical intervention of hydrocephalus in infants. Imaging of cerebrospinal fluid flow can be assessed with magnetic resonance imaging, but routine evaluation is limited by practical challenges. We show for the first time that cerebrospinal fluid flow can be depicted using brain ultrasound by implementing highly sensitive ultrasound-based microvascular imaging technology (B-flow). This novel application could potentially expand the use of this technology beyond its current application in depiction of vascular flow pathologies in newborns.

Context Soy formula feeding is common in infancy and is a source of high exposure to phytoestrogens, documented to influence vaginal cytology in female infants. Its influence on minipuberty in males has not been established. Objective To assess the association between infant feeding practice and longitudinally measured reproductive hormones and hormone-responsive tissues in infant boys. Methods The Infant Feeding and Early Development study was a prospective cohort of maternal–infant dyads requiring exclusive soy formula, cow milk formula, or breast milk feeding during study follow-up. In the 147 infant boy participants, serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone, stretched penile length, anogenital distance, and testis volume were longitudinally assessed from birth to 28 weeks. We examined feeding-group differences in age trajectories for these outcomes using mixed-effects regression splines. Results Median serum testosterone was at pubertal levels at 2 weeks (176 ng/dL [quartiles: 124, 232]) and remained in this range until 12 weeks in all feeding groups. We did not observe differences in trajectories of hormone concentrations or anatomical measures between boys fed soy formula (n = 55) and boys fed cow milk formula (n = 54). Compared with breastfed boys (n = 38), soy formula–fed boys had a more rapid increase in penile length (P = .004) and slower initial lengthening of anogenital distance (P = .03), but no differences in hormone trajectories. Conclusion Reproductive hormone concentrations and anatomical responses followed similar trajectories in soy and cow milk formula–fed infant boys. Our findings suggest that these measures of early male reproductive development do not respond to phytoestrogen exposure during infancy.

Pediatric applications of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) are growing. Evaluation of the kidneys and adrenal glands in children using intravenous administration of US contrast agents, however, is still an off-label indication. Pediatric CEUS applications for kidneys are similar to those in adults, including ischemic disorders, pseudo- versus real tumors, indeterminate lesions, complex cystic lesions, complicated pyelonephritis, and abscesses. CEUS applications for evaluation of adrenal glands in children are limited, mainly focusing on the assessment and follow-up of adrenal trauma and the differentiation between an adrenal hemorrhage and a mass. This review addresses the current experience in pediatric CEUS of the kidneys and adrenal glands. By extrapolating the established knowledge for US contrast evaluations in the adult kidney to the pediatric context we can note opportunities for CEUS clinical use in children.

The addition of contrast US to an existing pediatric US service requires several preparatory steps. This overview provides a guide to simplify the process. Initially, it is important to communicate to all stakeholders the justifications for pediatric contrast US, including (1) its comparable or better diagnostic results relative to other modalities; (2) its reduction in procedural sedation or anesthesia by avoiding MRI or CT; (3) its reduction or elimination of radiation exposure by not having to perform fluoroscopy or CT; (4) the higher safety profile of US contrast agents (UCA) compared to other contrast agents; (5) the improved exam comfort and ease inherent to US, leading to better patient and family experience, including bedside US exams for children who cannot be transported; (6) the need for another diagnostic option in light of increasing demand by parents and providers; and (7) its status as an approved and reimbursable exam. It is necessary to have an UCA incorporated into the pharmacy formulary noting that only SonoVue/Lumason is currently approved for pediatric use. In the United States this UCA is approved for intravenous administration for cardiac and liver imaging and for vesicoureteric reflux detection with intravesical application. In Europe and China it is only approved for the intravesical use in children. All other applications are off-label. The US scanner needs to be equipped with contrast-specific software. The UCA has to be prepared just before the exam and it is important to strictly follow the steps as outlined in the packaging inserts in order to prevent premature destruction of the microbubbles. The initial training in contrast US is best focused on the frontline staff actually performing the US studies; these might be sonographers, pediatric or interventional radiologists, or trainees. It is important from the outset to educate the referring physicians about contrast US. It is helpful to participate in existing contrast US courses, particularly those with hands-on components.

Imaging plays a crucial role in evaluating newborns and infants with cloacal and urogenital malformations. Contrast-enhanced genitosonography (ceGS) and contrast-enhanced colosonography (ceCS) are sensitive and radiation-free alternatives to fluoroscopic genitography and colography for diagnosis and surgical planning. These imaging techniques are performed by instilling a US contrast agent into specific body cavities to define the genitourinary and colorectal anatomy. This review article presents the experience with ceGS and ceCS applications in children, focusing on the background, examination technique, and interpretation of imaging findings, as well as strengths and weaknesses compared to conventional techniques.

Microvascular imaging is an advanced Doppler ultrasound technique that detects slow flow in microvessels by suppressing clutter signal and motion-related artifacts. The technique has been applied in several conditions to assess organ perfusion and lesion characteristics. In this pictorial review, we aim to describe current knowledge of the technique, particularly its diagnostic utility in the infant brain, and expand on the unexplored but promising clinical applications of microvascular imaging in the brain with case illustrations.

In pediatric and adult populations, intravenous contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) remains off-label for imaging of organs other than the liver and heart. This limited scope inhibits potential benefits of the new modality from a more widespread utilization. Yet, CEUS is potentially useful for imaging small organs such as the thyroid gland, lymph nodes, testes, ovaries and uterus, with all having locations and vasculature favorable for this type of examination. In the adult population, the utility of CEUS has been demonstrated in a growing number of studies for the evaluation of these small organs. The aim of this article is to present a review of pediatric CEUS of the thyroid gland, lymph nodes, testes, ovaries and uterus as well as to draw from the adult literature indications for possible applications in children. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00247-021-05006-x.

Value to pediatric radiologists Older radiologists, who compose approximately 7% of the radiology workforce [[1]], generally do not want to continue to work late or overnight shifts and would like to work fewer or no weekend days Traditionally, academic radiology departments are staffed by full-time faculty who provide clinical service and resident/student teaching while pursuing academic and research goals necessary for advancement and promotion During a 6-month period (September 2019 to February 2020), three senior diagnostic pediatric radiologists and one senior pediatric interventional radiologist participated in a per diem employment arrangement The total combined salary cost for the three per diem diagnostic radiologists for this period was 38% lower than the total compensation of one typical FTE body radiologist, while the total RVUs generated was only 8 3% lower than the typical FTE radiologist [Extracted from the article] Copyright of Pediatric Radiology is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use This abstract may be abridged No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract (Copyright applies to all Abstracts )

This retrospective study was designed to evaluate which lower urinary tract ultrasound parameter(s) could predict the results of invasive urodynamic testing which are the current reference standard in the evaluation of bladder dysfunction in children with spina bifida.Fifty eight children with spina bifida undergoing video urodynamic evaluation and a renal bladder ultrasound as their standard of care were evaluated. Quantitative and qualitative ultrasound parameters were then correlated with the videourodynamic study results which served as the reference standard.For bladders with ending storage pressures above 15 cm HBladder weight is independent of luminal volume, can be normalized to body weight, and may serve as a clinically valuable tool for noninvasive screening to define a subset of patients with neurogenic bladder with a higher likelihood of having abnormal videourodynamic results.

On October 24, 2017, in Chicago, the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound convened a panel of specialists in contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to arrive at a white paper regarding the use of CEUS in noncardiac applications in North America. Recommendations are based on analysis of the current literature and common practice strategies. They represent a reasonable approach to introduce the advantages of this safe and noninvasive technique for the benefit of our patients. Characterization of liver nodules with CEUS, as the approval indication worldwide, is the major focus of this endeavor. In addition, many off label uses are reviewed and literature supporting these indications provided.Key Points(1) Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) allows cross-sectional imaging of the liver, kidneys and multiple other solid and hollow viscera, providing excellent characterization of identified focal mass lesions.(2) Performed with the injection of a microbubble contrast agent, CEUS provides a safe and readily available imaging technique which requires no ionizing radiation, making it appropriate for use in all ages, in those with renal insufficiency and when a portable examination is needed.(3) The CEUS can be considered in abdominal imaging whenever blood flow information is of value to diagnosis.(4) Dynamic real-time acquisition and the use of a purely intravascular contrast agent are the 2 most essential technical aspects of CEUS imaging which distinguish it from both computed tomography and magnetic resonance scan.

The Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound convened a panel of specialists in contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to produce a white paper on noncardiac CEUS in North America. The panel met in Chicago, Illinois, on October 24 and 25, 2017. The recommendations are based on analysis of current literature and common practice strategies and are thought to represent a reasonable approach to introduce the advantages of this safe and noninvasive technique for the benefit of our patients. Characterization of liver nodules, and pediatric vascular and intravesicular applications comprise the approved indications for CEUS in the United States. They, along with the very successful off-label use of CEUS for the kidney, are included in this publication.Other off-label uses are presented with emphasis on their value and literature support in the online version.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether liver and spleen magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) can measure the severity of congenital hepatic fibrosis (CHF) and portal hypertension (pHTN) in individuals with autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD), and to examine correlations between liver MRE and ultrasound (US) elastography. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 9 individuals with ARPKD and 14 healthy controls. MRE was performed to measure mean liver and spleen stiffness (kPa); US elastography was performed to measure point shear wave speed (SWS) in both liver lobes. We compared: (1) MRE liver and spleen stiffness between controls vs. ARPKD; and (2) MRE liver stiffness between participants with ARPKD without vs. with pHTN, and examined correlations between MRE liver stiffness, spleen length, platelet counts, and US elastography SWS. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to examine diagnostic accuracy of liver MRE. RESULTS: Participants with ARPKD (median age 16.8 [IQR 13.3, 18.9] years) had higher median MRE liver stiffness than controls (median age 14.7 [IQR 9.7, 16.7 years) (2.55 vs. 1.92 kPa, p=0.008), but MRE spleen stiffness did not differ. ARPKD participants with pHTN had higher median MRE liver stiffness than those without (3.60 kPa vs 2.49 kPa, p=0.05). Liver MRE and US elastography measurements were strongly correlated. To distinguish ARPKD vs. control groups, liver MRE had 78% sensitivity and 93% specificity at a proposed cut-off of 2.48 kPa [ROC area 0.83 (95% CI: 0.63–1.00)]. CONCLUSION: Liver MRE may be a useful quantitative method to measure the severity of CHF and pHTN in individuals with ARPKD.

To determine the MRU imaging findings of calyceal diverticula in a large cohort of children and to compare the frequency of calyceal diverticula in our cohort with what has been previously reported. This was a HIPAA-compliant, IRB-approved retrospective study of all patients with suspected CD based on their medical records. All patients in this study underwent MRU at our institution between 2010 and 2017. Two pediatric radiologists reviewed each MRU blinded to clinical information and other urologic imaging regarding the presence, size, location, and morphology of the cyst and presence/absence of contrast within it. The time when contrast first appeared within the cystic mass was recorded, and a χ2 test was used to determine significance on differences between the different characteristics of renal cysts and diverticula. Fifty children (29 girls and 21 boys; median age of 11.5 years, IQR 7–16) with a total of 66 individual cystic masses were included. 21 (21/66, 31.8%) Cystic masses demonstrated contrast filling and were characterized as diverticula, resulting in a frequency of 26.6 cases per 1000 patients (21/787). The remaining 45 cystic masses (45/66, 68.1%) were cysts. The median diameter of CD was 2.5 cm (IQR 1.5–3.7). Contrast was observed within the cystic mass on average at 4.6 min (SD ± 2.4; range 1.5–13 min). The agreement between both radiologists was 91% (k = 0.78). 6 Cysts and 18 CD were confirmed surgically, MRU demonstrated accurate diagnosis in 100% of those cases. Magnetic resonance urography is reliable in differentiating calyceal diverticula from renal cysts. On MRU, all diverticula were identified within 15 min of contrast administration; hence longer delays in imaging are unnecessary.

Representatives from the Society of Abdominal Radiology Crohn's Disease-Focused Panel, the Society for Pediatric Radiology, the American Gastroenterological Association, and other international experts recently reported consensus recommendations for standardized nomenclature for the interpretation and reporting of CT enterography and MR enterography findings of small bowel Crohn disease. The consensus recommendations included CT enterography and MR enterography bowel wall findings that are associated with Crohn disease, findings that occur with penetrating Crohn disease, and changes that occur in the mesentery related to Crohn disease. Also included were recommended radiology report impression statements that summarize the findings of small bowel Crohn disease at CT enterography and MR enterography. This article, authored by the Society of Abdominal Radiology Crohn's Disease-Focused Panel, illustrates the imaging findings and recommended radiology report impression statements described in the consensus recommendations with examples of CT enterography and MR enterography images. Additional interpretation guidelines for reporting CT enterography and MR enterography examinations are also presented. The recommended standardized nomenclature can be used to generate radiology report dictations that will help guide medical and surgical management for patients with small bowel Crohn disease.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (US) has become an important supplementary tool in many clinical applications in children. Contrast-enhanced voiding urosonography and intravenous US contrast agents have proved useful in routine clinical practice. Other applications of intracavitary contrast-enhanced US, particularly in children, have not been widely investigated but could serve as a practical and radiation-free problem-solver in several clinical settings. Intracavitary contrast-enhanced US is a real-time imaging modality similar to fluoroscopy with iodinated contrast agent. The US contrast agent solution is administered into physiological or non-physiological body cavities. There is no definitive list of established indications for intracavitary US contrast agent application. However, intracavitary contrast-enhanced US can be used for many clinical applications. It offers excellent real-time spatial resolution and allows for a more accurate delineation of the cavity anatomy, including the internal architecture of complex collections and possible communications within the cavity or with the surrounding structures through fistulous tracts. It can provide valuable information related to the insertion of catheters and tubes, and identify related complications such as confirming the position and patency of a catheter and identifying causes for drainage dysfunction or leakage. Patency of the ureter and biliary ducts can be evaluated, too. US contrast agent solution can be administered orally or a via nasogastric tube, or as an enema to evaluate the gastrointestinal tract. In this review we present potential clinical applications and procedural and dose recommendations regarding intracavitary contrast-enhanced ultrasonography.

Background In 2008, there were no pediatric radiologists in Ethiopia, a country of 100 million people. The radiology residency programs lacked training in pediatric imaging acquisition and interpretation. Objective We established an accredited local pediatric radiology fellowship program in Ethiopia. Methods With assistance from US faculty from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Ethiopian radiologists created a 2-year fellowship training program in a university-based Ethiopian radiology residency program that incorporated formal lectures and seminars, case tutorials, journal clubs, teleradiological conferences, paper presentations, and online courses from collaborating institutions. Formal accreditation of the program was achieved from the university, and core values were established to ensure sustainability and self-sufficiency. The Ethiopian institution provided funding for the fellows, and US faculty volunteered their time. Results In 2015, 2 radiologists were recruited to the new fellowship; after graduation in 2017, they formed the first pediatric radiology section at the Ethiopian institution. Three new fellows were recruited in 2019, and the program is now self-sustaining. Pediatric imaging training has also been added to the radiology residency. Conclusions Establishing a pediatric radiology fellowship in a country with high need but little existing faculty expertise is feasible through outreach efforts.

Bowel diseases of prematurity, including necrotizing enterocolitis, are dreaded ailments of neonates. Early diagnosis is difficult, with clinical and radiographic findings often inconclusive. We present a novel use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in detection of pediatric bowel disease. Early identification of compromised blood flow or an at-risk bowel can be quantitatively detected and monitored. This ability has implications for guidance of emerging therapies, allowing targeting of inflammation. These findings represent an advancement in detection of bowel disease in neonates.

Grayscale ultrasound (US) is decisive in stratifying which thyroid nodules benefit from fine-needle aspiration to evaluate for malignancy. Unfortunately, a significant percentage of nodules remain indeterminate.Herein, we review the clinical considerations and diagnostic accuracy of advanced US, Doppler US, contrast-enhanced US, and US elastography techniques in the evaluation of indeterminate nodules.We conclude that these techniques may be used in combination with grayscale US to improve the assessment of lesion vascularity and tissue property.

Since Francis Fontan first introduced the eponymous technique, the Fontan procedure, this type of surgical palliation has allowed thousands of children affected by specific heart malformations to reach adulthood. Nevertheless, abdominal, thoracic, lymphatic and neurologic complications are the price that is paid by these patients. Our review focuses on Fontan-associated liver disease; the purpose is to summarize the current understanding of its physiopathology, the aim of follow-up and the specific radiologic follow-up performed in Europe. Finally, we as members of the Abdominal Task Force of the European Society of Paediatric Radiology propose a consensus-based imaging follow-up algorithm.

Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) causes fibrocystic kidney disease, congenital hepatic fibrosis, and portal hypertension. Serum galectin-3 (Gal-3) and intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) are potential biomarkers of kidney fibrosis and portal hypertension, respectively. We examined whether serum Gal-3 associates with kidney disease severity and serum I-FABP associates with liver disease severity in ARPKD.Cross-sectional study of 29 participants with ARPKD (0.2-21 years old) and presence of native kidneys (Gal-3 analyses, n = 18) and/or native livers (I-FABP analyses, n = 21). Serum Gal-3 and I-FABP were analyzed using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Kidney disease severity variables included estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and height-adjusted total kidney volume (htTKV). Liver disease severity was characterized using ultrasound elastography to measure liver fibrosis, and spleen length and platelet count as markers of portal hypertension. Simple and multivariable linear regression examined associations between Gal-3 and kidney disease severity (adjusted for liver disease severity) and between I-FABP and liver disease severity (adjusted for eGFR).Serum Gal-3 was negatively associated with eGFR; 1 standard deviation (SD) lower eGFR was associated with 0.795 SD higher Gal-3 level (95% CI - 1.116, - 0.473; p 0.001). This association remained significant when adjusted for liver disease severity. Serum Gal-3 was not associated with htTKV in adjusted analyses. Overall I-FABP levels were elevated, but there were no linear associations between I-FABP and liver disease severity in unadjusted or adjusted models.Serum Gal-3 is associated with eGFR in ARPKD, suggesting its value as a possible novel biomarker of kidney disease severity. We found no associations between serum I-FABP and ARPKD liver disease severity despite overall elevated I-FABP levels.

Patients with neurogenic bladders are monitored with renal bladder ultrasounds and video urodynamics studies (VUDS) to assess upper urinary tract injury. Ultrasound shear wave elastography (US-SWE) can assess tissue stiffness. If bladder compliance is affected by bladder wall fibrosis and stiffening, then high-pressure bladders may be detectable by US-SWE therefore reducing the need for VUDS in some patients.To determine if US-SWE can differentiate between low- and high-pressure bladders and hence be used for noninvasive assessment of neurogenic bladder in children.Prospective study of patients with neurogenic bladder undergoing clinically indicated VUDS between February and July of 2017. During VUDS, bladder wall US-SWE was measured at different filling percentages of estimated bladder capacity (EBC). The bladders were divided into cohorts according to the detrusor muscle pressure (P30/31 enrolled children completed the protocol. With an empty bladder, as well as at all other bladder volumes, no relationship was observed between PWe found no difference between SWE values of either the anterior or posterior bladder wall in neurogenic bladders with normal and abnormal filling pressures measured during VUDS. Our study differs from previously reported studies with more positive results in that our cut-off for abnormal bladder pressure was (PUS-SWE, while feasible, was not able to discriminate between low- and high-pressure bladders. Moreover, US-SWE did not show significant correlation with the current gold standard, VUDS.

Purpose To describe the morphology and function of duplicated collecting systems in pediatric patients undergoing functional MR urography (fMRU). Methods This is a HIPAA compliant IRB approved retrospective study of all patients with duplicated renal collecting systems undergoing fMRU at our institution between 2010 and 2017. Two pediatric radiologists evaluated the studies to determine the presence, morphology and function of duplicated collecting systems using both T2-weighted and dynamic post-contrast fat saturated T1-weighted images. Assessed morphologic features included pelvic and calyceal dilation, partial or complete ureteral duplication, ureteral dilation, ectopic ureteral insertion and ureteroceles. Functional analysis was carried out per moiety. Results A total of 86 examinations (63 girls; 23 boys), median age 2.6 years (Standard Deviation 6.4 years, interquartile range: 0.4–10.3 years) and 107 kidneys (39 right; 30 left and 19 bilateral), which yielded 214 evaluable moieties, were included in the final sample. One hundred and sixty-three (76.1%) of the moieties had normal morphological features and normal functional results (average calyceal transit time and renal transit time of 2 min 28 s and 3 min 16 s, respectively). The remaining 51 moieties (23.8%) were hypoplastic or dysplastic. Seventy-seven (35.9%) had pelvic and calyceal dilation. Slightly more than half of the kidneys had complete ureteral duplication (60/107; 56%); 50 (50/107, 46.7%) had ectopic ureters (23 intra- and 27 extravesical) and 9 (9/107, 8.4%) had ureteroceles. Conclusion fMRU provides comprehensive information regarding the morphology and function of duplicated renal collecting systems in children. In particular, fMRU is useful for assessing barely or non-functioning renal poles and ectopic ureters.

Objectives Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is one of the most common developmental deformities of the lower extremity. Although many children are successfully treated with a brace or harness, some require intraoperative closed or open reduction and spica casting. Surgical reduction is largely successful to relocate the hip; however, iatrogenic avascular necrosis is a major source of morbidity. Recent research showed that postoperative gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can depict hip perfusion, which may predict a future incidence of avascular necrosis. As contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) assesses blood flow in real time, it may be an effective intraoperative alternative to evaluate femoral head perfusion. Here we describe our initial experience regarding the feasibility of intraoperative CEUS of the hip for the assessment of femoral head perfusion before and after DDH reduction. Methods This single-institution retrospective Institutional Review Board-approved study with a waiver of informed consent evaluated intraoperative hip CEUS in children with DDH compared to postoperative contrast-enhanced MRI. Pediatric radiologists, blinded to prior imaging findings and outcomes, reviewed both CEUS and MRI examinations separately and some time from the initial examination both independently and in consensus. Results Seventeen patients had 20 intraoperative CEUS examinations. Twelve of 17 (70.6%) had prereduction hip CEUS, postreduction hip CEUS, and postreduction gadolinium-enhanced MRI. Seven of 12 (58.3%) were evaluable retrospectively. All CEUS studies showed blood flow in the femoral epiphysis before and after reduction, and all MRI studies showed femoral head enhancement after reduction. The CEUS and MRI for all 7 patients also showed physeal blood flow. Conclusions Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is a feasible intraoperative tool for assessing adequate blood flow after hip reduction surgery in DDH.

The aim is to evaluate the age-related changes and relationship of renal apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) against the morphological and functional changes detected by functional magnetic resonance urography (fMRU) in children with pelvicalyceal dilation, with suspected or known ureteropelvic junction obstruction. We retrospectively analyzed fMRUs with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) of the kidney in 35 subjects (25 males; median age: 7.1 years, range: 0.3–22.7 years) with 70 kidneys (40 with pelvicalyceal dilation and 30 with no pelvicalyceal dilation). Inclusion criteria were pelvicalyceal dilation, the absence of duplex kidneys and no ureteric dilation. DWI was performed with 3 diffusion gradient directions (b values = 0, 200, 500, 800 and 1,000 s/mm2). Metrics for fMRU included calyceal and renal transit times (CTT, RTT), time-to-peak (TTP), differential renal function based on volume (vDRF), Patlak number (pDRF) and combined volume and Patlak number (vpDRF). The grades of pelvicalyceal dilation, cortical thinning and corticomedullary differentiation were evaluated. The relationship between ADC values and the fMRU parameters was analyzed. ADC increases with age in kidneys without pelvicalyceal dilation (R2=0.37, P 0.07). The median ADC of kidneys without pelvicalyceal dilation was 3.73×10−3 mm2/s (range: 2.78–5.37×0−3 mm2/s) and the median ADC of kidneys with pelvicalyceal dilation was 3.82×10−3 mm2/s (range: 2.70–5.70×10−3 mm2/s). There was no correlation between ADC and the absolute differences of vDRF or pDRF (P>0.33). Renal ADC does not correlate with morphological and functional results of fMRU changes in children with pelvicalyceal dilation due to suspected or known ureteropelvic junction obstruction.

Incidental sonographic findings in thyroid and estrogen-responsive organs have been described in children and adults, but no publications describe incidental findings of these organs in infancy. We describe ultrasound features in thyroid, breast buds, testes, uterus, and ovaries in infants up to 32 weeks old that vary from the expected tissue architecture. Infants described in this paper were enrolled as healthy term neonates in a longitudinal study of normal feeding practices. Radiology reports for ultrasound exams in these infants described a range of findings that are similar to those reported in older populations. Knowledge of these asymptomatic variants occurring in infancy may guide radiologists in interpretation of these findings during clinical exams.

We evaluated the use of quantitative contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to study wash-out behavior of ultrasound contrast agents in the pediatric brain in cases of hypoxic ischemic injury (HII). Six neonates and young infants were imaged using CEUS for suspected HII in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit/Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. After receiving a bolus of ultrasound contrast agent Lumason (Bracco Diagnostics Inc.), analysis was performed in the whole brain, cortex, cortical/subcortical gray and white matter and central gray nuclei to quantify wash-out metrics and ratios. On magnetic resonance imaging clinical imaging findings, 3 children were classified as unaffected and 3 with classical imaging findings consistent with HII. A lower wash-out rate was found in the case of HII compared with the unaffected cases. Here, we present initial work exploring the wash-out behavior for differentiation between unaffected and HII in the brain. These preliminary findings are indicative of altered hemodynamics in HII and are promising for the potential use of CEUS to quantitatively differentiate between the unaffected and HII brain. Little is known about the CEUS wash-out dynamics, especially in the setting of the pediatric brain injury. Our preliminary findings are encouraging and warrant further investigation into the mechanisms behind delayed clearance of the ultrasound contrast agent in the setting of HII.

In 2014, a multidisciplinary consensus on the classification of pre- and postnatal urinary tract dilation (UTD classification) was developed. Its goal was to provide a standardized system for evaluating and reporting urinary tract dilation both in the prenatal and postnatal periods. In this review, we summarize insights learned from the implementation of the UTD classification system since its inception, providing clarifications on common points of confusion. In addition, we review current literature in the clinical validation of the UTD classification system to provide credence for its use in managing fetuses and children with urinary tract dilation.

For two decades, pediatric contrast US has been well accepted throughout Europe and other parts of the world outside the United States because of its high diagnostic efficacy and extremely favorable safety profile. This includes intravenous (IV) administration, contrast-enhanced US (CEUS) and the intravesical application, contrast-enhanced voiding urosonography (ceVUS). However, the breakthrough for pediatric contrast US in the United States did not come until 2016, when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first pediatric indication for a US contrast agent. This initial approval covered the use of Lumason (Bracco Diagnostics, Monroe Township, NJ) for the evaluation of focal liver lesions via IV administration in children. A second pediatric indication followed shortly thereafter, when the FDA extended the use of Lumason for assessing known or suspected vesicoureteral reflux via intravesical application in children. Both initial pediatric approvals were granted without prospective pediatric clinical trials, based instead on published literature describing favorable safety and efficacy in children. Three years later, in 2019, the FDA approved Lumason for pediatric echocardiography following a clinical trial involving a total of 12 subjects at 2 sites. The story of how we achieved these FDA approvals spans more than a decade and involves the extraordinary dedication of two professional societies, namely the International Contrast Ultrasound Society (ICUS) and the Society for Pediatric Radiology (SPR). Credit also must be given to the FDA staff for their commitment to the welfare of children and their openness to compelling evidence that contrast US is a safe, reliable, radiation-free imaging option for our pediatric patients. Understanding the history of this approval process will impact the practical application of US contrast agents, particularly when expanding off-label indications in the pediatric population. This article describes the background of the FDA's approval of pediatric contrast US applications to better illuminate the potential pathways to approvals of future indications.

Ultrasound (US) has been increasingly used as an important imaging tool to assess the urethra in children. The earliest reports of pediatric urethral sonography involved imaging the urethra in a non-voiding state, during physiological voiding of urine, and after instillation of saline. The introduction of US contrast agents has continued to improve visualization of urethral anatomy. Contrast-enhanced US of the urethra can be performed during the voiding phase of a standard contrast-enhanced voiding urosonography (ceVUS) exam or with retrograde instillation of a contrast agent, depending on the exam indication. Both techniques are well tolerated by children and provide accurate information about urethral pathology and periurethral soft tissues. This article reviews the technical aspects and imaging findings of urethral pathologies in children using contrast-enhanced US, both by the voiding and retrograde instillation techniques.

Supplemental materials for:"Reproductive hormone concentrations and associated anatomical responses: does soy formula affect minipuberty in boys?"

Summary Introduction Functional renal imaging, most commonly with MAG3 nuclear medicine renal scan, is recommended in the evaluation of children with urinary tract dilation (UTD) suspected of obstructive uropathy. Alternatively, renal function can be evaluated with functional Magnetic Resonance Urography (fMRU), which has superior anatomic detail. However, there are not enough data comparing both methods’ equivalency. In this study, we compare the functional and obstruction parameters of fMRU and MAG3 in a pediatric cohort presenting with obstructive uropathy. Study design This is an IRB-approved retrospective review of all children undergoing fMRU at a single, free-standing children's hospital between May 2008 and September 2017. Patients who also underwent a MAG3 renal scan within 6 months and who had no interval surgical intervention were included in the study. Bladder catheterization was performed prior to both imaging studies. Results 735 children had 988 fMRU studies performed during the study period. 37 unique patients (13 girls and 24 boys) with median age of 6 months (range: 2 mo–19 y) were included in the final sample. Median time interval between studies was 70 days (range 6–179 days). The majority of participants (26/37, 70.3%) presented with UTD P3 and had diagnosis of uretero-pelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) in 21/37. Differential renal function (DRF) was used to group 10 fMRU and 9 MAG3 patients as normal; 9 fMRU and 11 MAG3 as mild; 11 fMRU and 6 MAG3 as moderate; and 7 fMRU and 6 MAG3 as severe; Wilcoxon signed-rank test (p = 0.5106). Results were similar for DRF among patients with and without duplex kidneys. In the analysis of obstruction, using reference standard T½ MAG3 ≥ 20 min, a greater or equal than 6 min renal transit time (RTT) from fMRU showed a specificity of 94%, a sensitivity of 62%, and an AUC of 0.827. Discussion and conclusions The differential renal function determined by MAG3 and fMRU in children was not statistically different, therefore we concluded that it was similar and potentially equivalent. Better correlation was shown in patients who had normal split kidney function. While the tests are clinically equivalent, the variability of DRF within each clinical category (i.e., normal, mild, moderate, severe) is not surprising, because MAG3 does not clearly differentiate the dilated collecting system from the functional parenchymal tissue, while fMRU does. Using MAG3 as the gold standard, fMRU was 94.74% specific and 5% more sensitive in detecting UPJO with a RTT of 6min vs. 8min.

BACKGROUND Determination and longitudinal monitoring of progressive skeletal maturity are essential in the management of children with scoliosis. Although different methods for determining skeletal maturity exists, the most widely practiced method relies on the ossification pattern of the bones of the hand and wrist, which is traditionally acquired using conventional techniques and after the acquisition of the spine using the low-dose slot-scanning technique. Whereas the existing published literature has published promising results on the use of the slot-scanning technique to acquire these hand and wrist radiographs, image quality and radiation dose have not been systematically compared between these techniques. Thus, the objective of our study is to compare image quality, interpretation reliability, and radiation dose of hand bone age radiographs between slot-scanning and conventional techniques using age- and sex-matched children. METHODS This retrospective study included children who underwent hand radiographs using slot-scanning between October 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019; and matched children who underwent conventional radiography. Blinded to technique, 5 readers reviewed all radiographs after randomization to rate image quality and to determine bone age using the Greulich and Pyle classification. Dose area product was recorded. Mann-Whitney and t tests were used to compare variables between techniques and intraclass correlation (ICC) to determine observer agreement. RESULTS Our study cohort of 194 children (128 girls, 66 boys; mean age: 13.7±2.3 y) included 97 slot-scanning and 97 conventional radiographs. One (1%) slot-scanning and no conventional radiograph was rated poor in image quality. There was almost perfect interpretation reliability with slot-scanning with high interobserver (ICC=0.948) and intraobserver (ICC=0.996) agreements, comparable with conventional radiographs (ICCs=0.919 and 0.996, respectively). Dose area product (n=158) was lower (P

We aim to present a practical approach to imaging in suspected biliary atresia, an inflammatory cholangiopathy of infancy resulting in progressive fibrosis and obliteration of extrahepatic and intrahepatic bile ducts. Left untreated or with failure of the Kasai procedure, biliary atresia progresses to biliary cirrhosis, end-stage liver failure and death within the first years of life. Differentiating biliary atresia from other nonsurgical causes of neonatal cholestasis is difficult as there is no single method for diagnosing biliary atresia and clinical, laboratory and imaging features of this disease overlap with those of other causes of neonatal cholestasis. In this second part, we discuss the roles of magnetic resonance (MR) cholecystopancreatography, hepatobiliary scintigraphy, percutaneous biopsy and percutaneous cholecysto-cholangiography. Among imaging techniques, ultrasound (US) signs have a high specificity, although a normal US examination does not rule out biliary atresia. Other imaging techniques with direct opacification of the biliary tree combined with percutaneous liver biopsy have roles in equivocal cases. MR cholecystopancreatography and hepatobiliary scintigraphy are not useful for the diagnosis of biliary atresia. We propose a decisional flowchart for biliary atresia diagnosis based on US signs, including elastography, percutaneous cholecysto-cholangiography or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and liver biopsy.

The addition of contrast US to an existing pediatric US service requires several preparatory steps. This overview provides a guide to simplify the process. Initially, it is important to communicate to all stakeholders the justifications for pediatric contrast US, including (1) its comparable or better diagnostic results relative to other modalities; (2) its reduction in procedural sedation or anesthesia by avoiding MRI or CT; (3) its reduction or elimination of radiation exposure by not having to perform fluoroscopy or CT; (4) the higher safety profile of US contrast agents (UCA) compared to other contrast agents; (5) the improved exam comfort and ease inherent to US, leading to better patient and family experience, including bedside US exams for children who cannot be transported; (6) the need for another diagnostic option in light of increasing demand by parents and providers; and (7) its status as an approved and reimbursable exam. It is necessary to have an UCA incorporated into the pharmacy formulary noting that only SonoVue/Lumason is currently approved for pediatric use. In the United States this UCA is approved for intravenous administration for cardiac and liver imaging and for vesicoureteric reflux detection with intravesical application. In Europe and China it is only approved for the intravesical use in children. All other applications are off-label. The US scanner needs to be equipped with contrast-specific software. The UCA has to be prepared just before the exam and it is important to strictly follow the steps as outlined in the packaging inserts in order to prevent premature destruction of the microbubbles. The initial training in contrast US is best focused on the frontline staff actually performing the US studies; these might be sonographers, pediatric or interventional radiologists, or trainees. It is important from the outset to educate the referring physicians about contrast US. It is helpful to participate in existing contrast US courses, particularly those with hands-on components.