[Value of computer tomography of the thorax and abdomen in children].

Today CT of the pediatric chest and abdomen is an accepted and established diagnostic modality. Detection of pulmonary metastases and the staging of malignant lymphoma of the mediastinum are main indications for thoracic CT, whereas in other neoplastic mediastinal or thoracic wall lesions, which are much rarer, CT is complementary to very valuable conventional examinations. However the cross-sectional display free of superposition and the possibility of density-measurement are outstanding advantages for both thoracic and abdominal CT. Abdominal extension of malignant lymphoma is accurately determined; pretherapeutic staging and followup evaluation of primary retroperitoneal, hepatic and pelvic neoplasms are further indications in selected patients. After blunt abdominal trauma CT does not only demonstrate the extent of parenchymatous laceration, but also provides exact assessment of perfusion and/or function of an organ.