Guirguis Albair,  Lampl Brooke,  Park Ellen,  Mamoun Ihsan

Final Pr. ID: Poster #: EDU-028

Background: Esophageal disorders are relatively common in pediatric age group, clinically presenting with dysphagia, odynophagia, chest pain, cough, and aspiration. Etiologies may include infections and motility disorders, congenital disorders, and some traumatic (post foreign body or caustic ingestion)??? causes. Overlap exists in the appearance of esophageal pathology by fluoroscopy and cross-sectional evaluation. Recognition of the imaging features and how to differentiate various pathologies assist in diagnosis and further management.

Purpose: To review the esophageal disorders that can manifest in children with specific attention to the imaging features of different pathologies.

Educational goal: To recognize and describe the different pathologies and to emphasize the key imaging features encountered in esophageal disorders.

Technique and modalities of Imaging: Plain radiographs may be helpful in the newborn in the diagnosis of esophageal atresia, however esophagram is considered the primary tool for evaluation as it demonstrates both the anatomy and function of the esophagus. Cross sectional imaging such as CT and MRI may follow esophagram for further assessment of the extent of the diseases in some cases such as the wall involvement, extra-luminal extension, and extrinsic lesions.

Examples of cases (please refer to images)

Lymphoma involving the esophagus.
Ulcerating mass and irregular wall thickening of the lower esophagus.

Esophageal leimyomatosis (Alport syndrome).
Diffuse esophageal wall thickening and dilatation.

Congenital Esophageal stenosis.
Long segment of irregular concentric narrowing with mild proximal dilatation.

Listed below are some of the esophageal disorders included in the poster:
Congenital stenosis.
Achalasia.
Esophageal web.
Traumatic stricture (battery ingestion).
Esophageal perforation (post TOF repair).
Diffuse Esophageal Spasm.
Eosinophilic Esophagitis.
Tertiary contractions.
Hiatal hernia.



Conclusion: Imaging is one of the main tools in the work up for esophageal disorders, allowing for appropriate management and treatment. Several cases will be presented, including clinical information, illustrated images and descriptions of the imaging findings. These cases will cover different pathologies, as a quick comprehensive review for esophageal disorders. Read More

Authors:  Guirguis Albair , Lampl Brooke , Park Ellen , Mamoun Ihsan

Keywords:  Esophagus, Esophagram, Dysphagia

Damer Alameen,  Damer Reham,  Davila Jorge

Final Pr. ID: Poster #: EDU-026

Videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS) are used to assess dysphagia in the pediatric population in conjunction with the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS), which describes the degree of airway invasion during swallowing. However, guidelines regarding indications and follow-up are varied and vague, and often lead to over-referral, over and undertreatment, and follow-up that does not always benefit patients (i.e inadequate interventions in the interim to yield improvement). The aim of our work is to present clear guidelines for VFSS indications and follow-up to reduce unnecessary referrals, and promote clinically significant follow-up management. Read More

Authors:  Damer Alameen , Damer Reham , Davila Jorge

Keywords:  Dysphagia, Videofluoroscopy, Penetration-Aspiration