Imaging of Pediatric Cervical Lymphadenopathy

Abstract

There is a wide variety of disease entities in children, which can present with cervical adenopathy. The spectrum of pathology and imaging appearance differs in many cases from that seen in adults. This review aims to compare the strengths and limitations of the various imaging modalities available to image pediatric patients presenting with cervical adenopathy, provide guidance on when to image, and highlight the imaging appearance of both common and uncommon disorders affecting the cervical nodes in children to aid the radiologist in their clinical practice.

Keywords: Cervical lymph nodes; Imaging; Lymphadenopathy; Neck infection; Neck malignancy; Pediatric; Reactive nodes.