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Society for Pediatric Radiology – Poster Archive


Karen Ramirez Suarez

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Showing 3 Abstracts.

Hepatopulmonary fusion (HPF) is a very rare type of right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) with a reported prevalence of 3 in 1000 right-sided CDH cases. By June 2020, less than 50 cases have been reported in the literature. Out of 147 patients with right CDH managed at our institution, we found only one case (0.68%) of HPF, which is presented here. HPF is typically not identified preoperatively, and the presence of HPF changes the operative management. It has been reported that a large right CDH without leftward cardiomediastinal shift and atelectatic lung adherent to the liver are imaging features of HPF. This patient was a full-term, newborn girl with a normal prenatal course who developed respiratory distress immediately after birth. Chest radiograph at birth demonstrated a right CDH. On day four of life, the patient underwent surgical repair of right CDH. During the procedure, hepatopulmonary fusion involving the cephalad portion of the liver was discovered. The lung and liver could not be separated safely so the diaphragmatic defect was closed around the portion of the liver that extended into the thorax. Postoperative CT angiography of the chest and abdomen demonstrated no abnormal vascular communication between the lungs and liver; however, anomalies of systemic veins were identified. Follow-up chest radiograph at 9 months of age demonstrated a large right CDH that did not include bowel or right-sided colon and was without leftward mediastinal deviation. Concurrent contrast-enhanced CT images of the thorax at this time confirm the right CDH with herniated liver occupying most of the right hemothorax and expected rightward traction of the liver vasculature. However, no significant leftward mediastinal deviation was noted. A small amount of atelectatic lung overlying the liver was also noted, another imaging sign expected with HPF. Last follow-up at age 4, patient was thriving with normal growth and development. Read More

Meeting name: SPR 2022 Annual Meeting & Postgraduate Course , 2022

Authors: Stern Joseph, Ramirez Suarez Karen, Victoria Teresa, Otero Hansel

Keywords: Hepatopulmonary Fusion, Congenital diaphragmatic hernia, CTA

The Choosing Wisely initiative, led by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Foundation in collaboration with over 80 medical societies and organizations, was launched in 2012 in the United States and Canada. Choosing Wisely is a response to the estimation that roughly 20% of current medical tests and therapies lack justification, provide no value, and may pose risks. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) became a participant in Choosing Wisely from the start, resulting in 16 pediatric specialty-specific lists designed to assist AAP members in responsible healthcare resource management. While pediatric radiology did not develop its own list, imaging recommendations were included on fully half of the published AAP/Choosing Wisely lists. Read More

Meeting name: SPR 2024 Annual Meeting & Postgraduate Course , 2024

Authors: Ramirez Suarez Karen, Miranda Schaeubinger Monica, Barton Katherine, Riedesel Erica, Otero Hansel

Keywords: Pediatric, Imaging, Radiology

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has historically been restricted for patients with pacemakers, defibrillators, or other cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) due to safety concerns. Despite the introduction of MR conditional pacemakers in 2008, access to MRI in patients with CIEDS remains limited. MRI remains the diagnostic imaging study of choice for many indications and is necessary to prevent delayed diagnosis and the decision to proceed with MRI should follow a rigorous risk benefit assessment: Risks of: Lead heating causing injury at their tips Increased pacing thresholds Sudden battery depletion Inappropriate sensing/pacing The location of the image should be considered because if the request includes the area of the CIED then potential artifacts may decrease the diagnostic quality. However, an MRI remote from the location of the CIED entails a negligible risk of lead heating and MRI may be performed safely with continuous patient monitoring throughout the scan. In addition, in pediatric patients the necessity of anesthesia or sedation must be well-thought-out as it conveys additional risk to the patient. There is growing evidence from adult literature that MRI may be performed safely in patients with CIEDs with transvenous leads when appropriate protocols are followed. The Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) 2017 expert consensus statement indicates that MRI is reasonable in patients with MR non-conditional transvenous CIEDs if there are no fractured, epicardial, or abandoned leads. The Pediatric and Congenital Electrophysiology Society (PACES) of 2021 included that MRI may be considered in pediatric patients with epicardial or abandoned leads on a case-by-case basis. However, performing MRI in patients with CIEDs is a resource-intensive service and requires rigorous implant investigation, preparation, and planning as well as close coordination between treating physicians and radiologist. This educational exhibit summarizes current literature on the safety of MRI in patients with CIEDs and takes examples from our practice to build an evaluation program that allows for safe access to MRI in patients with CIEDs Read More

Meeting name: SPR 2023 Annual Meeting & Postgraduate Course , 2023

Authors: De Leon-benedetti Laura, Ramirez Suarez Karen, Otero Hansel, Rapp Jordan, Biko David, Smith Christopher, Serai Suraj, White Ammie

Keywords: Cardiac, Magnetic Resonance