Neck

Abstract

Neck disorders are common in children, and ultrasound is often the first-line imaging modality in their evaluation and characterization. Ultrasound can provide information regarding the size, shape, internal consistency, location, and vascularity of a neck lesion without the need for radiation, iodinated contrast material, sedation or general anesthesia. Correlation of the ultrasound findings with clinical information can aid in narrowing the differential diagnosis and in making appropriate therapeutic decisions. Ultrasound-guided interventional procedures can be performed when indicated for diagnosis and/or treatment. In this chapter, the ultrasound features of a variety of common and uncommon neck disorders in children are reviewed.