A spectrum of findings on computed tomography in paediatric abdominal and pelvic tumours in a Ghanaian teaching hospital.

Abstract

Objectives: To review the Computed Tomography( CT )features of pediatric oncological patients with abdominal and pelvic tumours and correlate these findings with their histopathological diagnosis.

Design: This was a retrospective cross-sectional facility-based study.

Setting: This study was conducted in the Pediatric Oncology Unit and Radiology Department of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

Participants: Fifty-six pediatric oncology patients with contrast-enhanced abdominal and pelvic CT scans.

Data collection: The abdominal and pelvic CT scans findings, patient biodata, and histopathology reports of oncology patients over four years were reviewed.

Statistical analysis: Simple descriptive statistics using frequency distribution, percentages, means, and standard deviation were used to describe the various variables and presented tables.

Results: The four commonest tumours were nephroblastoma, neuroblastoma, lymphoma, and hepatoblastoma. The mean age at diagnosis was 4.8 years, with a slightly higher male predominance. The majority of the tumours were extremely large at presentation. Overall, the CT - histopathology concordance was 79.2%.

Conclusion: Abdominal and pelvic CT scans play an important role in the diagnostic workup of pediatric malignancies by ensuring early and accurate diagnosis of these tumours.

Funding: None declared.