<b>Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis</b> <b>(LCH)</b>, is a disorder that primarily affects children, but can affect individuals of all ages. Langerhans cells are cells that are responsible for regulating immune system in our bodies. They are mostly found in the skin, spleen, lymph nodes, liver and bone marrow. In patients who have LCH, these cells grow and multiply excessively. The abnormal growth of the Langerhans cells causes a formation of tumors called granulomas. LCH can affect different areas of the body: skin, nails, lymph nodes, gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system, pituitary and thyroid gland, liver, lungs and bones. The severity and symptoms of the disease vary in individual patients and are dependent on the organs and systems affected. Oftentimes, LCH can be found in multiple areas of the body and when that happens, the disease becomes a multisystem disease. The most common system affected by LCH, seen in about 80 % of individuals affected, is the skeletal system. Granulomas, which develop most commonly in the flat bones such as skull and long bones of arms and legs, cause sclerotic and lytic lesions that can in turn become the cause of pathologic fractures. Therefore it is crucial, to recognize the radiographic signs of skeletal manifestations of LCH. Radiography is the preliminary imaging of choice and skeletal surveys are oftentimes the best assessment of the status of LCH prior and post treatment. The purpose of this abstract is to describe radiographic appearances associated with Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis. In order to confirm the importance of follow up skeletal surveys, I will present cases and associated radiographs that show signs of LCH prior to treatment and post treatment. Read More

Meeting name: SPR 2019 Annual Meeting & Postgraduate Course , 2019

Authors: Ulikowska Ewelina

Keywords: Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis, Radiographic findings, Skeletal manifestations

<b>Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)</b> is one of the most leading causes of morbidity and mortality in premature infants. It usually develops within the first days following birth. NEC is a gastrointestinal disease, that can affect any part of the large or small bowel but most commonly affects the terminal ileum and colon. It causes inflammation and tissue death of the affected area and can lead to bowel perforations and a need for surgical resections. In severe cases, bacteria and waste products can pass through the perforated intestine and enter the baby’s bloodstream or abdominal cavity which can cause a life threatening infection and shock. In a pediatric hospital, that treats premature infants, signs and symptoms of necrotizing enterocolitis are very important to diagnose quickly. Most common symptoms include poor feeds, bloating or swelling in the abdomen, bloody stools and diarrhea. In order to manage the disease medically and surgically, prompt diagnostic tests such as ultrasounds and xrays need to be performed. Abdominal X-rays are the gold standard of diagnosis and treatment planning. Therefore it is crucial, to recognize the radiographic signs of NEC. The purpose of this abstract is to describe radiographic appearances associated with NEC, which include: dilated bowel loops, thickened bowel walls with edema, pneumatosis intestinalis, abdominal free air, portal venous gas, absence of bowel gas. I will present confirmed cases that show radiographic signs of NEC. Read More

Meeting name: SPR 2018 Annual Meeting & Postgraduate Course , 2018

Authors: Ulikowska Ewelina

Keywords: Necrotizing Enterocolitis, Radiographic findings