OBJECTIVE: Interpretation of abdominal radiographs of children benefits from a firm knowledge of the congenital anomalies and pathologies unique to this patient population, leveraged by a systematic approach. Interpretive errors place the patients and their families at risk for a delay in diagnosis, unnecessary additional imaging, a potential increase in the radiation burden, and possible psychologic trauma. CONCLUSION: In this article, we describe the common and uncommon potential pitfalls in pediatric abdominal radiography, using several of our own interpretive errors as a framework while providing teaching points to help avoid these mistakes.
OBJECTIVE: Interpretation of abdominal radiographs of children benefits from a firm knowledge of the congenital anomalies and pathologies unique to this patient population, leveraged by a systematic approach. Interpretive errors place the patients and their families at risk for a delay in diagnosis, unnecessary additional imaging, a potential increase in the radiation burden, and possible psychologic trauma. CONCLUSION: In this article, we describe the common and uncommon potential pitfalls in pediatric abdominal radiography, using several of our own interpretive errors as a framework while providing teaching points to help avoid these mistakes.