Pediatric groin lesions: imaging findings

Abstract

Objectives: The groin is a complex anatomic region that has traditionally been ignored by radiologists because most lesions can be diagnosed from clinical data and physical examination. Nevertheless, ultrasound examinations of the groin are increasingly being requested to confirm injury or to resolve diagnostic uncertainty. On the other hand, some conditions involving the groin are found only in pediatric patients. This article describes the key imaging findings in pediatric groin injuries, placing special emphasis on the ultrasound appearance.

Conclusions: Knowledge about conditions that can affect the groin in pediatric patients and the key imaging findings associated with them helps improve the diagnostic performance of ultrasound.

Keywords: Canal inguinal; Children; Ecografía; Hernia inguinal; Hidrocele; Hydrocele; Inguinal canal; Inguinal hernia; Niños; Ultrasonography.