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[Imaging techniques and examination protocols in the pediatric emergency]
M Scharitzer1, M Hörmann, S Puig
1Universitätsklinik für Radiodiagnostik, AKH Wien, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Wien/Osterreich. martina.scharitzer@univie.ac.at
Insights
Paediatric emergencies require tailored radiological imaging for accurate diagnosis and safety. Optimizing techniques ensures reduced radiation exposure for children during urgent investigations.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Pediatrics
- Medical Imaging
Context:
- Paediatric emergencies necessitate rapid and precise radiological evaluations.
- Child-specific adaptations in imaging techniques are crucial for patient safety.
- Advancements in imaging modalities enhance diagnostic speed, accuracy, and safety in children.
Purpose:
- To provide an overview of age-adjusted imaging techniques for paediatric emergencies.
- To discuss imaging strategies for common childhood medical emergencies.
- To highlight the importance of radiation protection in paediatric radiology.
Summary:
- Optimizing imaging parameters in digital radiography and CT (computed tomography) significantly reduces radiation dose.
- Spiral and multislice CT offer reduced scan times and radiation exposure when parameters are optimized.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains vital for neurological and spinal emergencies, even with faster sequences.
Impact:
- Enables radiologists to select appropriate imaging strategies based on differential diagnoses.
- Facilitates the adjustment of imaging techniques to individual paediatric patients.
- Promotes safer and more effective diagnostic imaging in paediatric emergency care.
Abstract:
Paediatric emergencies demand a quick and efficient radiological investigation with special attention to specific adjustments related to patient age and radiation protection. Imaging modalities are improving rapidly and enable to diagnose childhood diseases and injuries more quickly, accurately and safely. This article provides an overview of imaging techniques adjusted to the age of the child and an overview of imaging strategies of common paediatric emergencies. Optimising the imaging parameters (digital radiography, different screen-film systems, exposure specifications) allows for substantial reduction of radiation dose. Spiral- and multislice-CT reduce scan time and enable a considerable reduction of radiation exposure if scanning parameters (pitch setting, tube current) are properly adjusted. MRI is still mainly used for neurological or spinal emergencies despite the advent of fast imaging sequences. The radiologist's task is to select an appropriate imaging strategy according to expected differential diagnosis and to adjust the imaging techniques to the individual patient.