An implemented MRI program to eliminate radiation from the evaluation of pediatric appendicitis.

Background: Recent efforts have been directed at reducing ionizing radiation delivered by CT scans to children in the evaluation of appendicitis. MRI has emerged as an alternative diagnostic modality. The clinical outcomes associated with MRI in this setting are not well-described.

MRI for clinically suspected pediatric appendicitis: case interpretation.

As utilization of MRI for clinically suspected pediatric appendicitis becomes more common, there will be increased focus on case interpretation. The purpose of this pictorial essay is to share our institution's case interpretation experience. MRI findings of appendicitis include appendicoliths, tip appendicitis, intraluminal fluid-debris level, pitfalls of size measurements, and complications including abscesses.

MRI for clinically suspected pediatric appendicitis: an implemented program.

Background: Emergent MRI is now a viable alternative to CT for evaluating appendicitis while avoiding the detrimental effects of ionizing radiation. However, primary employment of MRI in the setting of clinically suspected pediatric appendicitis has remained significantly underutilized.

Objective: To describe our institution's development and the results of a fully implemented clinical program using MRI as the primary imaging evaluation for children with suspected appendicitis.

Testicular ascent as a mechanism for intra-abdominal torsion.

Testicular ascent, while uncommon, can occur. A testicle that has ascended out of the scrotum can torse and may present as an acute inguinal mass or acute abdomen. Testicle ascent can occur even if previous intra-scrotal location has been documented.

Combination of traumatic thoracic aortic pseudoaneurysm and myocardial contusion leading to left ventricular aneurysm.

The combination of thoracic aortic pseudoaneurysm and left ventricular aneurysm resulting from a single traumatic incident is an exceedingly rare occurrence. We present a case of a 10-year-old girl who sustained significant blunt trauma to the chest after being involved in a rollover motor vehicle accident. The child underwent immediate repair of a transected aortic arch.

A randomized controlled trial comparing three different techniques of nasojejunal feeding tube placement in critically ill children.

Background: The goal of this study was to compare 3 different techniques used to place nasojejunal (NJ) feeding tubes in the critically ill or injured pediatric patients. This was a randomized, prospective trial in a university-affiliated 12-bed pediatric intensive care unit. Patients were critically ill children requiring placement of an NJ feeding tube.