Radiological Diagnosis of Pediatric Neck Swellings

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.

Active, Not Recruiting

This study is active but is not currently recruiting participants.

Key information

Conditions

Lipoma Branchial Cleft Anomalies Branchioma Chondrosarcoma, Extraskeletal Myxoid Cystic Hygroma (Macro-cystic Lymphatic Malformation) Cysts Hemangioma Hemangiomas of Infancy Hemic and Lymphatic Diseases Lymphadenitis Lymphangioma Lymphangioma, Cystic Lymphatic Diseases Myosarcoma Myxoid Chondrosarcoma Neck Abscess Neoplasm, Lymphatic Tissue Neoplasms Neoplasms by Histologic Type Neoplasms, Adipose Tissue Neoplasms, Connective and Soft Tissue Neoplasms, Muscle Tissue Neoplasms, Vascular Tissue Rhabdomyosarcoma Sarcoma Thyroglossal Cyst Thyroglossal Duct Cysts

Age range

1 month–16 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Faculty of Medicine Sohag University

Sohag, Sohag Governorate, 0000, Egypt

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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).

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

Diagnostic accuracy of tissue characterization of pediatric neck swellings

Time frame: 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.

Other outcomes

Sensitivity of multimodality imaging for diagnosis of pediatric neck swellings

Time frame: From baseline imaging assessment until establishment of the final diagnosis, or up to 6 months after initial imaging, whichever comes first.

Percentage of patients with a specific final diagnosis correctly identified by imaging, using the final diagnosis as the reference standard; compared with the final diagnosis based on histopathological examination, microbiological assessment, surgical findings, or clinical and imaging follow-up, as applicable.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Sohag University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Role of Diagnostic Imaging in Characterization of Pediatric Neck Swellings

Important dates

Study start: 2026
Primary completion: 2027
Study completion: 2027
First posted: Jul 29, 2026
Registry last updated: Jul 30, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.

Recruiting