To remember the sonographic appearance of normal chest. To become familiar with the images of various mediastinal and lung pathologies in children. To emphasize on key imaging features and on differential diagnosis. To correlate sonographic with radiographic findings.

X-ray remains the modality of choice in the evaluation of peadiatric chest.It is the first and most common imaging test, required in the emergency department. Nevertheless, conventional radiography often causes diagnostic dilemmas needing further investigation. Until recently, Computed Tomography (CT) scan was the next step after conventional radiography; however pediatricians and radiologists hesitated to expose children to large amounts of radiation, as the risk of radiation induced cancer in children from CT is estimated to be as high as one in 500 [1]. Furthermore, Magnetic...

During the last four years, 173 consecutive children had a cUS, in our department. All patients had an abnormal CXR (contralateral lung opacity, mediastinum widening, paravertebral mass, elevated hemidiaphragm, pneumothorax). Different transducers were used, according to the size of the patient and the structure being examined. A high frequency linear transducer 17-5MHz, a small footprint 8-5MHz curved array and a convex 5-2MHz were mostly used, with the latter for the assessment of deeper lesions or in obese children. Intercostal approaches were used for the evaluation...

US is useful in the evaluation of many pediatric chest queries. Apart from differential diagnosis, it contributes to avoid additional radiation exposure (multiple x-rays/CT) when frequent follow-up is required (pleural effusions, complicated pneumonias, pneumothorax). It is a reliable method in the assessment of mediastinum and of diaphragmatic movement, thus replacing fluoroscopy.

1. Sotiria Fygetaki, Radiology Resident, Venizeleion Hospital, Heraklion, Crete, Greece [email protected] 2. Ioanna Tritou, MD, Consultant Radiologist, Department of Radiology, Venizelion Hospital, Heraklion, Crete, Greece [email protected] 3. Evangelia Sfakianaki, Head of Radiology Departement of Venizeleio General Hospital Of Heraklion , Crete, Greece

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