Radiological Diagnosis of Pediatric Neck Swellings

N/AActive Not RecruitingNCT07734805

Sohag University50 enrolled

Overview

Various diagnostic imaging modalities have been utilized in the assessment of pediatric neck lesions, including gray-scale and Doppler ultrasonography, conventional and three-dimensional computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and MR angiography, each offering distinct advantages and limitations.

Although gray-scale ultrasonography and duplex imaging are considered the first-line modalities for evaluating superficial neck masses due to their accessibility, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness, the depth of high-frequency transducers is limited, particularly in large lesions with uncertain origin or extent. Consequently, cross-sectional imaging modalities such as CT and MRI play an important complementary role by improving diagnostic accuracy and providing detailed assessment of deeper structural involvement. \[2,3\] Radiological characterization aims eventually to guide management by identifying the most appropriate subsequent step, which may include clinical observation, interval imaging follow-up, tissue sampling, surgical intervention, embolization, or sclerotherapy.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Lipoma Branchial Cleft Anomalies Cystic Hygroma (Macro-cystic Lymphatic Malformation)Rhabdomyosarcoma Lymphadenitis

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 1 MonthMax age: 16 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Pediatric patients referred from pediatrics, ENT, surgery, oncology or emergency departments for radiological evaluation of a neck swelling/mass Exclusion Criteria: * Previous surgery (post operative patients). * Contraindications to intravenous contrast administration when contrast enhanced studies are required (e.g. history of severe contrast allergy). * Contraindication to MRI (e.g., severe claustrophobia non-manageable by sedation).

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Diagnostic accuracy of tissue characterization of pediatric neck swellings

Accuracy of multimodality imaging in characterizing pediatric neck swellings according to their imaging features and tissue composition, including cystic, solid, vascular, inflammatory, or other relevant characteristics, compared with the final diagnosis based on histopathological examination, microbiological assessment, surgical findings, or clinical and imaging follow-up, as applicable.

Time frame: From baseline imaging assessment until establishment of the final diagnosis, or up to 6 months after initial imaging, whichever comes first.