Role of Diagnostic Imaging in Characterization of Pediatric Neck Swellings
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Active, not recruiting
- Sponsor
- Sohag University
- Enrollment
- 50
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Role of diagnostic imaging in characterization of pediatric neck swellings
Study Overview
Brief Summary
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.
Detailed Description
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 Design
- Study Type
- Observational
- Observational Model
- Case Only
- Time Perspective
- Prospective
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 1 Month to 16 Years (Child)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- No
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).
Arms & Interventions
pediatric patients with neck swellings
Pediatric patients referred to Sohag University Hospital for radiological evaluation of a neck swelling or mass. Patients will undergo clinical assessment and appropriate imaging evaluation, including gray-scale and Doppler ultrasonography as the initial imaging modality, with CT and/or MRI performed when clinically indicated. Imaging findings will be assessed for lesion detection, anatomical localization, tissue characterization, differential diagnosis, and assessment of involvement of adjacent structures.
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Role of diagnostic imaging in characterization of pediatric neck swellings
Time Frame: From baseline imaging assessment until establishment of the final diagnosis, or up to 6 months after initial imaging, whichever comes first.
Diagnostic accuracy of multimodality imaging (ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging) in characterizing pediatric neck swellings, including lesion detection, anatomical localization, tissue characterization, and establishment of the most likely diagnosis, using the final diagnosis based on histopathological examination, microbiological assessment, surgical findings, or clinical and imaging follow-up, as applicable, as the reference standard.
Diagnostic accuracy of tissue characterization of pediatric neck swellings
Time Frame: From baseline imaging assessment until establishment of the final diagnosis, or up to 6 months after initial imaging, whichever comes first.
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.
Secondary Outcomes
No secondary outcomes reported
Investigators
Salma Mohamed Hassan
Resident
Sohag University