Image-guided Percutaneous Drainage in the Pediatric Population: A Primer for Radiologists

Image-guided percutaneous drainage is an excellent minimally invasive method for dealing with infectious complications in the pediatric population. A thorough understanding of drainage procedures in children can often lead to improved patient outcomes. Indications for percutaneous drainage will be reviewed, including abscesses related to appendicitis, post-surgical abscess formation, and abscesses related to Crohn's disease. This pictorial essay will help the radiologist better understand the common etiologies of abscesses in children that may require percutaneous drainage, the special considerations for catheter placement, patient preparation, and anesthesia or sedation issues unique to the pediatric population.