ULTRASOUND ASSESSMENT OF PEDIATRIC NECK SWELLINGS

Desouky, Salaheldin; Khattab, Hanan Mohamed; Eshiba, Ahmed Mohamed; Elyan, Somaya Ali Abd Elgawad

doi:10.21608/alexpo.2025.421086.2263

ULTRASOUND ASSESSMENT OF PEDIATRIC NECK SWELLINGS

Document Type : Preliminary preprint short reports of original research

Authors

¹ Department of Radiodiagnosis, Faculty of medicine, Alexandria university, Alexandria, Egypt

² Department of Radiodiagnosis and Intervention, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University

³ Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University

10.21608/alexpo.2025.421086.2263

Abstract

Neck swellings are a common presentation in children and often cause significant concern despite most being benign. They present a diagnostic challenge due to overlapping clinical and imaging features. Classification can be based on location, with midline swellings frequently congenital such as thyroglossal duct or dermoid cysts, and lateral swellings often inflammatory or infectious like lymphadenitis or abscesses. Etiologically, they may be congenital, inflammatory, neoplastic, or vascular, arising from diverse tissues including skin, fat, or muscle. Accurate diagnosis requires integration of history, clinical examination, and imaging. Ultrasonography is the first-line modality, providing valuable information for narrowing the differential diagnosis, assessing extent, and monitoring response to treatment, although it may not always be definitive. A sound knowledge of neck embryology, anatomy, and fascial planes further enhances diagnostic accuracy and guides appropriate management.

AIM:

The aim of this work was to assess the role of ultrasound in identification and differential diagnosis of pediatric neck swellings.

PATIENT AND METHODS:

PATIENTS: This study was conducted on 30 patients of pediatric age group (up to 18 years) presented with neck swellings who are referred to the radiodiagnosis department for imaging assessment at Alexandria University Hospitals.

METHODS:

All patients were subjected to: Full history taking and full clinical examination, all patients underwent ultrasound as the primary imaging modality, with CT or MRI performed when further characterization was required. The radiological findings were correlated with medical treatment, surgical and histopathological outcomes.

Keywords