Radiological Diagnosis of Pediatric Neck Swellings

Role of Diagnostic Imaging in Characterization of Pediatric Neck Swellings

Status

Active, not recruiting

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Observational

Source

ClinicalTrials.gov

Registry ID

NCT07734805

Enrollment

Registered

2026-07-29

Start date

2026-02-20

Completion date

2027-02-01

Last updated

2026-07-30

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Branchial Cleft Anomalies, Cystic Hygroma (Macro-cystic Lymphatic Malformation), Hemangiomas of Infancy, Lipoma, Lymphadenitis, Myxoid Chondrosarcoma, Neck Abscess, Rhabdomyosarcoma, Thyroglossal Duct Cysts

Keywords

neck swellings, neck abscess, lymphadenitis, branchial cleft cyst, cervical lymphadenitis, nodal abscess, chondrosacroma, neck mass, hemangioma, thyroglossal duct cyst

Brief summary

Various diagnostic imaging modalities have been utilized in the assessment of pediatric neck lesions, including gray-scale and Doppler ultrasonography, conventional and three-dimensional computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and MR angiography, each offering distinct advantages and limitations.

Detailed description

Although gray-scale ultrasonography and duplex imaging are considered the first-line modalities for evaluating superficial neck masses due to their accessibility, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness, the depth of high-frequency transducers is limited, particularly in large lesions with uncertain origin or extent. Consequently, cross-sectional imaging modalities such as CT and MRI play an important complementary role by improving diagnostic accuracy and providing detailed assessment of deeper structural involvement. \[2,3\] Radiological characterization aims eventually to guide management by identifying the most appropriate subsequent step, which may include clinical observation, interval imaging follow-up, tissue sampling, surgical intervention, embolization, or sclerotherapy.

Interventions

None listed

Study design

Observational model

CASE_ONLY

Time perspective

PROSPECTIVE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

ALL

Age

1 Months to 16 Years

Healthy volunteers

Inclusion criteria

* Pediatric patients referred from pediatrics, ENT, surgery, oncology or emergency departments for radiological evaluation of a neck swelling/mass

Exclusion criteria

* Previous surgery (post operative patients). * Contraindications to intravenous contrast administration when contrast enhanced studies are required (e.g. history of severe contrast allergy). * Contraindication to MRI (e.g., severe claustrophobia non-manageable by sedation).

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame	Description
Diagnostic accuracy of tissue characterization of pediatric neck swellings	From baseline imaging assessment until establishment of the final diagnosis, or up to 6 months after initial imaging, whichever comes first.	Accuracy of multimodality imaging in characterizing pediatric neck swellings according to their imaging features and tissue composition, including cystic, solid, vascular, inflammatory, or other relevant characteristics, compared with the final diagnosis based on histopathological examination, microbiological assessment, surgical findings, or clinical and imaging follow-up, as applicable.

Countries

Egypt

Contacts

PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORMohamad Zaki Ali, MD

Outcome results