Fostering research in pediatric interventional radiology: needs assessment and suggestions for support.

BACKGROUND: Due to the rarity of pediatric diseases, collaborative research is the key to maximizing the impact of research studies. A research needs assessment survey was created to support initiatives to foster pediatric interventional radiology research. OBJECTIVE: To assess the status of pediatric interventional radiology research, identify perceived barriers, obtain community input on areas of research/education/support, and create metrics for evaluating changes/responses to programmatic initiatives. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey link was sent to approximately 275 members of the Society for Pediatric Interventional Radiology (SPIR) between May and October 2020. Data was collected using a web-based interface. Data collected included practice setting, clinical role, research experience, research barriers, and suggestions for future initiatives. RESULTS: Fifty-nine surveys were analyzed with a staff physician survey response rate of 28% (56/198). A wide range of practice sizes from 15 countries were represented. Respondents were predominantly staff physicians (95%; 56/59) with an average of 11 years (range: 1-25 years) of clinical experience working at academic or freestanding children's hospitals. A total of 100% (59/59) had research experience, and 70% (41/58) had published research with a mean of 30 peer-reviewed publications (range: 1-200). For job security, 56% (33/59) of respondents were expected or required to publish, but only 19% (11/58) had research support staff, and 42% (25/59) had protected research time, but of those, 36% (9/25) got the time "sometimes or never." Lack of support staff, established collaborative processes, and education were identified as top barriers to performing research. CONCLUSIONS: The needs assessment survey demonstrated active research output despite several identified barriers. There is a widespread interest within the pediatric interventional radiology community for collaborative research.

Findings in percutaneous trans-hepatic cholecysto-cholangiography in neonates and infants presenting with conjugated hyperbilirubinemia: emphasis on differential diagnosis and cholangiographic patterns.

BACKGROUND: Biliary atresia (BA) is one of the causes of conjugated hyperbilirubinemia in infants which if untreated leads to end-stage liver disease and death. Percutaneous Trans-hepatic Cholecysto-Cholangiography (PTCC) is a minimally invasive study which can be utilized in the diagnostic work-up of these patients. This study's purpose is to describe the experience with PTCC in neonates, the imaging findings encountered, and the abnormal patterns which warrant further investigation. METHODS: A 16-year single-center retrospective study of patients with persistent neonatal cholestasis (suspected BA) undergoing PTCC. Patient demographics, laboratory values, PTCC images, pathology and surgical reports were reviewed. RESULTS: 73 patients underwent PTCC (68% male, mean age 8.7 weeks, mean weight 4.0 Kg). The majority of studies were normal (55%). Abnormal patterns were identified in 33 cases, 79% were diagnosed with BA and 12% with Alagille syndrome. Non-opacification of the common hepatic duct with a narrowed common bile duct (42%) and isolated small gallbladder (38%) were the most common patterns in BA. CONCLUSION: PTCC is a minimally invasive study in the diagnostic work-up of infants presenting with conjugated hyperbilirubinemia (suspected BA). Further invasive investigations or surgery can be avoided when results are normal.

Cone-beam computed tomography-assisted percutaneous gastrostomy tube insertion in children with challenging anatomy.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous radiological gastrostomy tube insertion is a common procedure in children. An approach using ultrasound and fluoroscopy may not be feasible in patients with challenging anatomy; therefore, advanced techniques or other imaging modalities may be required. OBJECTIVE: To describe our experience using cone-beam computed tomography (CT)-assisted percutaneous gastrostomy insertion in pediatric patients with challenging anatomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed in children who underwent cone-beam CT-assisted percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy between January 2015 and July 2019. Indications, technique, outcomes, complications, and radiation dose (reference-point air kerma, air kerma area product) were assessed through chart and imaging review. Descriptive statistics only were used. RESULTS: Twenty-seven procedures were attempted in 26 patients. Reasons for utilizing cone-beam CT guidance were high-positioned stomach (n = 10), interposing bowel loops and liver (n = 19), omphalocele (n = 1), severe scoliosis (n = 1), and ventriculoperitoneal shunt (n = 1). Technical success was 85% (23/27). Mean procedure time was 96 min (range 50-131 min). No safe access route into the stomach was encountered in four patients; three were referred for surgical gastrostomy and one had a successful re-attempt. Radiation dose data was obtained from 19 procedures (17 successful) with a total dose in successful procedures ranging from 8.1 to 63.6 mGy (average 26.2 mGy, median 24.9 mGy). The number of cone-beam CT acquisitions per procedure ranged from 1 to 4. Major complication frequency was 11% (3/27) (bleeding, peritonitis, and aspiration pneumonia); minor complication frequency was 3.7% (1/27). CONCLUSION: This study shows that cone-beam CT guidance can be useful for assisting percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy in children with challenging anatomy.

Exploring the impact of anterior chest wall scars from implantable venous ports in adolescent survivors of cancer.

BACKGROUND: In children with cancer, port-a-caths (ports) are commonly placed in the right anterior chest wall, leaving a visible scar when removed. The psychological impact of port scars on survivors is unknown. It is unclear whether alternative sites should be considered. We assessed the impact of port scars on pediatric cancer survivors to determine whether a change in location is indicated. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional single-center study of pediatric cancer survivors aged 13-18 years. A questionnaire explored participants' perceptions of their port scars. Four additional validated tools were used: Fitzpatrick scale, Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index, and a Distress Thermometer. RESULTS: Among 100 participants (median age 15.8 years [13-18], median duration since treatment 8 years [1.5-14.8]), 75 'never/occasionally' thought about their port scars, 85 were not bothered by its location and 87 would not have preferred another site. Eleven participants were highly impacted by their scars: six thought about their scar 'everyday/all the time', four were highly bothered by its location, and nine would have preferred a different location. There was an association between the desire for different scar location and how much the location bothered participants (p < 0.0001), female sex (p = 0.03) and Patient POSAS score (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: A port scar on the anterior chest wall was not a major concern for the majority of this cohort. A minority of participants were highly impacted by the scar and its location. Advance identification of those likely to be impacted by their scars may not be possible.

Image-guided chest tube drainage in the management of chylothorax post cardiac surgery in children: a single-center case series.

BACKGROUND: In children, chylothorax post cardiac surgery can be difficult to treat, may run a protracted course, and remains a source of morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the experience with percutaneous image-guided chest-tube drainage in the management of post-cardiac-surgery chylothoraces in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a single-center retrospective case series of 37 post-cardiac-surgery chylothoraces in 34 children (20 boys; 59%), requiring 48 drainage procedures with placement of 53 image-guided chest tubes over the time period 2004 to 2015. We analyzed clinical and procedural details, adverse events and outcomes. Median age was 0.6 years, median weight 7.2 kg. RESULTS: Attempted treatments of chylothoraces prior to image-guided chest tubes included dietary restrictions (32/37, 86%), octreotide (12/37, 32%), steroids (7/37, 19%) and thoracic duct ligation (5/37, 14%). Image-guided chest tubes (n=43/53, 81%) were single unilateral in 29 children, bilateral in 4 (n=8/53, 15%), and there were two ipsilateral tubes in one (2/53, 4%). Effusions were isolated, walled-off, in 33/53 (62%). In 20/48 procedures (42%) effusions were septated/complex. The mean drainage through image-guided chest tubes was 17.3 mL/kg in the first 24 h, and 13.4 mL/kg/day from diagnosis to chest tube removal; total mean drainage from all chest tubes was 19.6 mL/kg/day. Nine major and 27 minor maintenance procedures were required during 1,207 tube-days (rate: 30 maintenance/1,000 tube-days). Median tube dwell time was 21 days (range 4-57 days). There were eight mild adverse events, three moderate adverse events and no severe adverse events related to image-guided chest tubes. Radiologic resolution was achieved in 26/37 (70%). Twenty-three children (68%) survived to discharge; 11 children (32%) died from underlying cardiac disease. CONCLUSION: Management of chylothorax post-cardiac-surgery in children is multidisciplinary, requiring concomitant multipronged approaches, often through a protracted course. Multiple image-guided chest tube drainages can help achieve resolution with few complications. Interventional radiology involvement in tube care and maintenance is required. Overall, mortality remains high.

Use of Tissue Plasminogen Activator in Abdominal Abscesses in Children-A Single-Center Randomized Control Trial.

PURPOSE: To establish the efficacy of once-per-day intracavitary tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in the treatment of pediatric intra-abdominal abscesses. METHODS: A single-center prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial of the use of intracavitary tPA in abdominal abscesses in children. Patients were randomized to either tPA-treatment or saline-treatment groups. Primary outcome was drainage catheter dwell (hours). Secondary outcomes were length of hospital stay, times to discharge, clinical and sonographic resolution, and adverse events (AEs). RESULTS: Twenty-eight children were randomized to either group (n = 14 each). Demographics between groups were not significantly different (age P = .28; weight P = .40; gender P = .44). There were significantly more abscesses in the tPA-treated group (P = .03). Abscesses were secondary to perforated appendicitis (n = 25) or postappendectomy (n = 3). Thirty-four abscesses were drained, 4 aspirated, 3 neither drained/aspirated. There was no significant difference in number of drains (P = .14), drain size (P = .19), primary outcome (P = .077), or secondary outcomes found. No procedural or intervention drug-related AEs occurred. No patient in the saline-treated group required to be switched/treated with tPA. CONCLUSION: No significant difference in the length of catheter dwell time, procedure time to discharge, or time to resolution was found. Intracavitary tPA was not associated with morbidity or mortality. The results neither support nor negate routine use of tPA in the drainage of intra-abdominal abscess in children. It is possible that a multicentre study with a larger number of patients may answer this question more definitively.

Dosimetric Feasibility of Cone-Beam CT in Pediatric Image-Guided Retrograde Gastrostomy Tube Insertions.

PURPOSE: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in interventional radiology allows volumetric imaging with open patient access. This work aimed to assess radiation dose metrics of CBCT in simulated image-guided retrograde gastrostomy (IGRG) tube insertions in pediatric anthropomorphic phantoms and to compare them to measured radiation dose metrics obtained using fluoroscopy during clinical IGRG tube insertions in children. METHODS: Radiation dose indices obtained from radiation dose structured reports of fluoroscopic IGRG tube insertions were retrospectively evaluated in a consecutive cohort of 30 children. Dose indices were fractionated into 3 clinical stages for each procedure (planning, insertion, and confirmation). These 3 stages in 30 patients (3 × 30 = 90 patient stages) were compared to dose indices measured from 4 CBCT acquisition protocols acquired in pediatric phantoms. RESULTS: The mean proportion of radiation dose during planning, insertion, and confirmation was 35%, 38% and 27%, with mean reference-point air kerma (range) measured to be 1.0 (0.02-6.0) mGy, 0.9 (0.03-4.1) mGy, and 0.7 (0.04-3.7) mGy, respectively. Cone-beam computed tomography dose varied greatly depending on technical parameters and protocol selection, ranging from 0.7 to 39.3 mGy. In 19% of patient stages, the most dose-sparing CBCT protocol evaluated on phantoms delivered less radiation than the radiation dose indices recorded from patient's fluoroscopy. CONCLUSIONS: From a dosimetric perspective, radiation delivered in CBCT can vary widely, yet can be appreciably low. With appropriate CBCT protocol selection, the radiation dose delivered may be sufficiently low to warrant consideration for use, if clinically needed during difficult IGRG tube insertions, and satisfy the interventionalist's benefit-risk assessment.

Evaluation of implanted venous port-a-caths in children with medical complexity and neurologic impairment.

BACKGROUND: Children with medical complexity and associated neurologic impairment frequently face difficulties with venous access. Intermittently they require urgent intravenous administration of fluids and medication. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the use of implanted port-a-caths in children with medical complexity who have neurologic impairment and difficult venous access. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a single-center observational study of port-a-caths placed by interventional radiologists in children with medical complexity with neurologic impairment. We analyzed peripheral intravenous access attempts, peripheral intravenous starts, peripheral intravenous complications, alternative temporary central venous access devices, port-a-cath insertions, catheter days, access days, port-a-cath-related complications, hospital admissions and emergency department visits. We compared the year pre port-a-cath to the year post port-a-cath. RESULTS: Twenty-one children with medical complexity with neurologic impairment (10 boys, 11 girls; median age 4.1 years; median weight 13.7 kg) underwent 26 port-a-cath insertions (median catheter days 787). In the year post port-a-cath compared to pre port-a-cath there was a highly significant reduction (P<0.001) in numbers of peripheral intravenous attempts, peripheral intravenous starts and skin punctures; and a significant reduction (P<0.05) in need for other devices, number of emergency department visits, emergency department visits resulting in hospital admissions, and total admissions. Adverse events were graded as mild (n=18), moderate (n=6) and severe (n=0). CONCLUSION: Port-a-cath placement in children with medical complexity with neurologic impairment significantly reduced all peripheral intravenous attempts, peripheral intravenous starts, skin punctures, total number of emergency department visits, visits culminating in admission, and total number of inpatient admissions. Advantages must be considered against potential port-a-cath-related adverse events.

Use of the Transrectal Ultrasound Probe in Aspiration and Drainage in Pediatric Patients: A Retrospective Observational Study.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) probe use for aspiration and drainage of pelvic abscesses in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patient demographics, procedural details, technical success, safety, and clinical course of TRUS procedures were retrospectively analyzed. Between 2007 and 2016, 118 TRUS-guided procedures were performed in 115 children (60 males, 55 females); median age was 12.4 years (range, 2.4-17.9 years) and median weight was 45 kg (range, 12.6-112 kg). Ten children were 5 years of age or younger. RESULTS: In total, 113/118 procedures were performed under general anesthesia. The rectum accommodated the probe and needle guide without resistance in all children (technical feasibility, 100%). Abscesses were anterior to the rectum in 116/118 and posterior in 2/118. One hundred twelve collections were drained, 4 were aspirated, and 2 procedures were aborted, both subsequently successfully drained (2 and 3 days later). One patient underwent repeat drainage after 28 months. No major complications were reported. Median times to temperature normalization was 0 days (mean, 1.2; range, 0-13 days), catheter dwell time 5 days (mean, 6; range, 2-21 days), drain removal to discharge 1 day (mean, 2; range, 0-41 days), and follow-up 117 days (mean, 195; range, 5-2,690 days). CONCLUSIONS: TRUS-guided drainage using the TRUS probe and needle guide is a safe and effective method for aspiration and drainage of pelvic abscesses in children as young as 2 years.

Increased risk of symptomatic upper-extremity venous thrombosis with multiple peripherally inserted central catheter insertions in pediatric patients.

BACKGROUND: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are associated with superficial and deep venous thrombosis of the arm. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the sequelae of repeated upper limb PICC insertions in children, in terms of the frequency of upper limb thrombosis in this patient group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population included all children who underwent their first successful arm PICC insertion between January 2010 and December 2015. We included subsequent ipsilateral arm PICCs in the analysis. Patients were followed until March 2016 or until any alternative central venous line insertion. For each PICC insertion, we collected demographic variables and line characteristics. We correlated all symptomatic deep and superficial thromboses of the arm with the PICC database. RESULTS: Applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 2,180 PICCs remained for analysis. We identified first, second, third and fourth PICC insertions in the same arm in 1,955, 181, 38 and 6 patients, respectively. In total there were 57 upper body deep symptomatic thrombotic events. An increasing odds ratio was seen with higher numbers of PICC insertions, which was significant when comparing the first with the third and fourth PICC insertions in the same arm (odds ratio [OR] 6.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.25-16.04, P=0.0004). Double-lumen PICCs were associated with a significantly higher risk of thrombosis than single lumen (OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.72-4.47, P=0.0003). CONCLUSION: Repetitive PICC insertions in the same arm are associated with an increased risk of symptomatic thrombosis. Double-lumen PICCs are associated with a higher risk of thrombosis compared to single-lumen lines.

COST ANALYSIS OF PERIPHERALLY INSERTED CENTRAL CATHETER IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS.

PURPOSE: A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is a useful option in providing secure venous access, which enables patients to be discharged earlier with the provision of home care. The objective was to identify the costs associated with having a PICC from a societal perspective, and to identify factors that are associated with total PICC costs. METHODS: Data were obtained from a retrospective cohort of 469 hospitalized pediatric patients with PICCs inserted. Both direct and indirect costs were estimated from a societal perspective. Insertion costs, complication costs, nurse and physician assessment costs, inpatient ward costs, catheter removal costs, home care costs, travel costs, and the cost associated with productivity losses incurred by parents were included in this study. RESULTS: Based on catheter dwell time, the median total cost associated with a PICC per patient per day (including inpatient hospital costs) was $3,133.5 ($2,210.7-$9,627.0) in 2017 Canadian dollars ($1.00USD = $1.25CAD in 2017). The adjusted mean cost per patient per day was $2,648.2 ($2,402.4-$2,920.4). Excluding inpatient ward costs, the median total and adjusted costs per patient per day were $198.8 ($91.8-$2,475.8) and $362.7($341.0-$386.0), respectively. Younger age, occurrence of complications, more catheter dwell days, wards with more intensive care, and the absence of home care were significant factors associated with higher total PICC costs. CONCLUSIONS: This study has demonstrated the costs associated with PICCs. This information may be helpful for healthcare providers to understand PICC related cost in children and resource implications.

Perforations associated with peripherally inserted central catheters in a neonatal population.

BACKGROUND: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are increasingly used in neonates but perforations can result in devastating complications such as pericardial and pleural effusions. Identifying risk factors may guide surveillance and reduce morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk factors for PICC perforation in neonates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective case:control (1:2) study of neonates admitted between 2004-2014. Charts and imaging were reviewed for clinical and therapeutic risk factors. RESULTS: Among 3,454 PICCs, 15 cases of perforation (incidence 0.4%, 5 pericardial effusions, 10 pleural effusions) were matched to 30 controls, based on gestation and insertion date. Timing of perforations post-insertion was median 4 days for pericardial effusions and 21.5 days for pleural effusions. A risk factor for pericardial effusion was lower weight at PICC insertion compared with controls. There were no statistically significant differences between cases and controls in catheter material, insertion site, PICC size and lumen number. Among upper limb PICCs, pericardial effusions were associated with tip positions more proximal to the heart at insertion (P=0.005) and at perforation (P=0.008), compared with controls. Pleural effusions were associated with tip positions more distal from the heart at perforation (P=0.008). Within 48 h before perforation, high/medium risk infusions included total parenteral nutrition (100% cases vs. 56.7% controls, P=0.002) and vancomycin (60% cases vs. 23.3% controls, P=0.02). CONCLUSION: PICC-associated pericardial effusions and pleural effusions are rare but inherent risks and can occur at any time after insertion. Risk factors and etiologies are multifactorial, but PICC tip position may be a modifiable risk factor. To mitigate this risk, we have developed and disseminated guidelines for target PICC positions and routinely do radiographs to monitor PICCs for migration and malposition in our NICU. The increased knowledge of risk profiles from this study has helped focus surveillance efforts and facilitate early recognition and treatment.

Proposal of a New Adverse Event Classification by the Society of Interventional Radiology Standards of Practice Committee.

PURPOSE: To develop a new adverse event (AE) classification for the interventional radiology (IR) procedures and evaluate its clinical, research, and educational value compared with the existing Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) classification via an SIR member survey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A new AE classification was developed by members of the Standards of Practice Committee of the SIR. Subsequently, a survey was created by a group of 18 members from the SIR Standards of Practice Committee and Service Lines. Twelve clinical AE case scenarios were generated that encompassed a broad spectrum of IR procedures and potential AEs. Survey questions were designed to evaluate the following domains: educational and research values, accountability for intraprocedural challenges, consistency of AE reporting, unambiguity, and potential for incorporation into existing quality-assurance framework. For each AE scenario, the survey participants were instructed to answer questions about the proposed and existing SIR classifications. SIR members were invited via online survey links, and 68 members participated among 140 surveyed. Answers on new and existing classifications were evaluated and compared statistically. Overall comparison between the two surveys was performed by generalized linear modeling. RESULTS: The proposed AE classification received superior evaluations in terms of consistency of reporting (P < .05) and potential for incorporation into existing quality-assurance framework (P < .05). Respondents gave a higher overall rating to the educational and research value of the new compared with the existing classification (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: This study proposed an AE classification system that outperformed the existing SIR classification in the studied domains.

Technique, Safety, and Yield of Bone Biopsies for Histomorphometry in Children.

PURPOSE: To evaluate image-guided bone biopsy for bone histomorphometry to assess osteoporosis in children with respect to safety and yield. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-center retrospective review was performed of 79 bone biopsies in 73 patients performed between 2007 and 2015. Biopsies of the iliac bone were performed under general anesthesia, after tetracycline labeling, using a Rochester needle (Medical Innovations International, Inc, Rochester, Minnesota). Ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance were used in all procedures. Biopsy technique, technical success, safety, and histomorphometry results (complete, incomplete, none) were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 41 male patients (51.8%). Technical success was achieved in 76/79 (96%) procedures. Of 79 biopsies, 75 (95%) were uneventful. Unplanned overnight observation was required in 3 (minor SIR grade B), and prolonged hospital stay owing to hematoma causing nerve compression pain was required in 1 (major SIR grade D). Complete histomorphometric reports were obtained in 69 (87%) procedures, incomplete reports were obtained in 7 (9%), and no reports were obtained in 3(4%). Incomplete reports were insufficient to provide a definitive diagnosis or guide treatment. Histomorphometry impacted subsequent therapy in 69 (87%) biopsies. CONCLUSIONS: Image-guided bone biopsy for osteoporosis using the Rochester needle is a valuable and safe technique for establishing the diagnosis of osteoporosis and directing treatment based on histomorphometry results.

Intrapleural Dornase and Tissue Plasminogen Activator in pediatric empyema (DTPA): a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: A randomized controlled trial of adults with empyema recently demonstrated decreased length of stay in hospital in patients treated with intrapleurally administered dornase alfa and fibrinolytics compared to fibrinolytics alone. Whether this treatment strategy is safe and effective in children remains unknown. METHODS/DESIGN: This study protocol is for a superiority, placebo-controlled, parallel-design, multicenter randomized controlled trial. The participants are previously well children admitted to a children's hospital with a diagnosis of empyema requiring chest tube insertion and fibrinolytics administered intrapleurally. Children will be randomized after the treating physician has decided that pleural drainage is required but prior to chest tube insertion. After chest tube insertion, participants in the treatment group will receive intrapleurally administered tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) 4 mg followed by dornase alfa 5 mg. Participants in the placebo group will receive tPA 4 mg followed by normal saline. Study treatments will be administered once daily for 3 days. All participants, parents or caregivers, clinicians, and research personnel will remain blinded. The primary outcome is length of stay from chest tube insertion to discharge from hospital. Secondary outcomes include time to meeting discharge criteria, chest tube duration, fever duration, need for additional procedures, adverse events, hospital readmission, cost of hospitalization, and mortality. DISCUSSION: This multicenter randomized controlled trial will assess the safety, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of combined treatment with dornase alfa and fibrinolytics compared to fibrinolytics alone for the treatment of empyema in children. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01717742 . Registered on 8 October 2012.

Ultrasound-guided steroid tendon sheath injections in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a 10-year single-center retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to: (a) Identify tendon sheaths most commonly treated with steroid injections in a pediatric patient population with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA); (b) Describe technical aspects of the procedure; (c) Characterize sonographic appearance of tenosynovitis in JIA; (d) Assess agreement between clinical request and sites injected. METHODS: This was a 10 year single-center retrospective study (May 2006-April 2016) of patients with JIA referred by Rheumatology for ultrasound-guided tendon sheath injections. Patient demographics, clinical referral information, sonographic appearance of the tendon sheaths and technical aspects of the procedure were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 308 procedures of 244 patients (75% female, mean age 9.6 years) who underwent a total of 926 tendon sheath injections. Ankle tendons were most commonly injected (84.9%), specifically the tendon sheaths of tibialis posterior (22.3%), peroneus longus (20%) and brevis (19.7%). The majority of treated sites (91.9%) showed peritendinous fluid and sheath thickening on ultrasound. There were 2 minor intra-procedure complications without sequelae. A good agreement between clinical request and sites injected was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided tendon sheath injections with steroids are used frequently to treat patients with JIA. It is a safe intervention with a high technical success rate. The ankle region, specifically the medial compartment, is the site most commonly injected in this group of patients. The most common sonographic finding is peritendinous fluid and sheath thickening. These findings might assist clinicians and radiologists to characterize and more effectively manage tenosynovitis in patients with JIA.