Pediatric contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the United States: a survey by the Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Task Force of the Society for Pediatric Radiology.

BACKGROUND: The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved an ultrasound (US) contrast agent for intravenous and intravesical administration in children. OBJECTIVE: Survey the usage, interest in and barriers for contrast-enhanced US among pediatric radiologists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Task Force of the Society for Pediatric Radiology (SPR) surveyed the membership of the SPR in January 2017 regarding their current use and opinions about contrast-enhanced US in pediatrics. RESULTS: The majority (51.1%, 166) of the 325 respondents (26.7% of 1,218) practice in either a university- or academic affiliated group. The most widely used US contrast agent was Lumason® 52.3% (23/44). While lack of expertise and training were reported barriers, all respondents who are not currently using US contrast agents are considering future use. CONCLUSION: Interest in pediatric contrast US is very high. Education and training are needed to support members who plan to adopt contrast US into practice.

Extratesticular masses in children: taking ultrasound beyond paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma.

Extratesticular cystic and solid scrotal masses are commonly encountered in pediatrics. The most common extratesticular malignancy is paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma. The remainder of the common pathologies encountered -- appendage torsion, epididymitis and varicoceles -- are mostly benign. These frequently encountered benign lesions are confidently differentiated from paratesticular rhadbomyosarcoma using high-frequency scrotal sonography in combination with clinical features. Less commonly encountered extratesticular masses may not be as easily classified; however, these also have distinguishing features that can enable differentiation from malignancy. This review discusses the sonographic findings, and relevant clinical and pathological manifestations of the more unusual extratesticular masses encountered in two tertiary pediatric institutions during a 10-year period. While these extratesticular pathologies are encountered relatively infrequently, recognition of their manifestations enables appropriate management.