Cross-sectional imaging of abnormalities of the abdominal wall in pediatric patients.

Abstract

ross-sectional imaging with CT or MR imaging has been shown to be helpful in depicting pathologic processes involving the abdominal wall [1‐3]. Primarily, CT and MR imaging may be performed to evaluate palpable lesions of the abdominal wall [2]. In addition, accurate identification of abnormalities of the anterior abdominal wall may provide important diagnostic clues when imaging studies are performed in a patient during an examination for intraabdominal disease. We review the cross-sectional imaging features of pathologic processes of the abdominal wall that we have encountered in our practice of pediatric body imaging. Processes reviewed are grouped by causality—congenital, inflammatory, traumatic, neoplastic, and vascular. Congenital Lesions Congenital abnormalities of the anterior abdominal wall include omphalocele, gastroschisis, and bladder extrophy. These severe abnormalities are obvious during the physical examination of a