Imaging of Pediatric Aerodigestive Tract Disorders

Imaging of pediatric aerodigestive tract lesions is a common, technically challenging request. There are many important differences between pediatric and adult airways. By using a stepwise approach, we will classify lesions on the basis of their imaging characteristics. The classic imaging features of airway disorders, such as pyriform aperture stenosis, choanal atresia, laryngomalacia, croup, epiglottitis, subglottic hemangiomas, vascular rings, and other interesting abnormalities, will be highlighted. The key differentiating features among diseases with similar presentations will also be reviewed.

Learning Objectives: Describe normal pediatric upper airway embryology and anatomy; identify abnormalities of pediatric aerodigestive tract in order to aid in timely diagnosis and management; and recognize classic imaging characteristics to better define and assess aerodigestive tract lesions.