The incidence of cervical spine injuries is much less common in pediatric patients compared to their adult counterparts; however, these injuries result in more severe morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population, with increased rates of permanent neurological damage and death not uncommon. Understanding the physiology and anatomy as well as the clinical presentation of different pathologies is an essential skill when evaluating cervical spine injuries. Imaging the pediatric population presents challenges with variant anatomy and unique injury presentations on imaging. Here, we establish a search pattern for cervical spine imaging and review common pitfalls radiologists will encounter when reviewing cervical spine imaging in the setting of trauma. CONTENT ORGANIZATION: 1) Epidemiology of pediatric cervical spine injuries. 2) Overview of the pediatric cervical spine with focus on developmental anatomy, common variants and physiologic considerations. 3) Review of search pattern considerations for cervical spine imaging. 4) Imaging examples of traumatic cervical spine injuries with illustration of critical findings and avoidable pitfalls. 5) Brief review of the role of the radiologist when reviewing cervical spine injuries. SUMMARY: This exhibit will provide education on important anatomy, imaging findings and pitfalls to avoid when reviewing cervical spine trauma imaging in pediatric patients. Teaching points will include: 1) Normal versus variant anatomy of the cervical spine. 2) Vital anatomical locations to review in the setting of cervical spine injury. 3) Detection of imaging features significant for cervical spine injuries using a wide variety of unique cases. 4) Effectively identifying and reporting the type and extent of the injury. Read More

Meeting name: SPR 2025 Annual Meeting , 2025

Authors: Germaine Colton, Richards Allyson, Tocchio Shannon, Welch Kathryn, Ku Elliot, Martinez Sam

Keywords: Cervical Spine Injury, Anatomy, Pitfalls

The threat of button battery ingestion persists as many electronic devices utilize the batteries for power. Although there are variable sequalae after button battery ingestion and removal, some serious complications that can result include necrosis, ulceration, fistula development, and heavy metal toxicity. Prompt removal of a button battery is essential to decrease these serious effects on the patient. Even after removal of a button battery, sequela of ingestion can be present that requires imaging follow up and further management. At our university hospital, we have implemented an MRI protocol to evaluate an affected organ system after ingestion and removal of a button battery. Here, we discuss our findings and review how images obtained from the protocol have impacted patient follow-up and management. CONTENT ORGANIZATION: 1) Overview and epidemiology of button battery ingestion. 2) Sequela of button battery ingestion and concerning imaging features status post button battery removal. 3) Discuss current literature and recommended MRI protocols. 4) Review images obtained through the implemented MRI protocol. 5) Brief discussion of benefits and how to implement an MRI protocol. SUMMARY: The major teaching points will include: 1) An eclectic array of MRI images after the removal of a button battery to provide a baseline understanding of benign and alarming findings. 2) A detailed review of concerning imaging features by organ system after removal of a button battery. 3) How to develop and implement an MRI protocol to image patients after removal of a button battery. Read More

Meeting name: SPR 2025 Annual Meeting , 2025

Authors: Germaine Colton, Richards Allyson, Welch Kathryn, Ku Elliot, Martinez Sam, Tocchio Shannon

Keywords: Button Battery, MRI Criteria, Disease Severity