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Practical use and implementation of PET in children in a hospital PET centre
Lise Borgwardt1, Helle Jung Larsen, Kate Pedersen
1Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark. borgwardtpet@rh.dk
Insights
Positron emission tomography (PET) scans in children require specialized considerations due to unique pediatric physiology and psychology. This guide details practical implementation for nuclear medicine departments, covering preparation, imaging, and interpretation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nuclear Medicine
- Medical Imaging in Children
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Applications
Background:
- Children exhibit distinct physiological and psychological differences from adults.
- Positron emission tomography (PET) in pediatric populations is an expanding field.
- Standard adult protocols may not be directly applicable to pediatric patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide practical guidance for implementing and utilizing PET scans in pediatric patients.
- To assist nuclear medicine departments in establishing or enhancing pediatric PET services.
- To highlight key considerations for successful pediatric PET imaging.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of child-specific psychological and physiological factors.
- Outline of departmental organization and interdepartmental collaboration.
- Detailed preparation protocols, including information provision and fasting.
- Description of the imaging procedure: rest, tracer injection, positioning, sedation, and bladder management.
- Identification of common pitfalls in pediatric PET scan interpretation.
Main Results:
- Successful implementation of pediatric PET requires attention to patient preparation and procedural adjustments.
- Understanding pediatric-specific dosimetry is crucial for safety and efficacy.
- Effective communication and tailored approaches enhance the pediatric PET experience.
- Telemedicine can offer support in interpreting pediatric PET scans.
Conclusions:
- Adapting PET imaging protocols for children is essential for accurate diagnostics.
- A multidisciplinary approach and specialized training are vital for pediatric PET services.
- This article serves as a practical resource for nuclear medicine professionals performing pediatric PET scans.
Abstract:
Children are not just small adults-they differ in their psychology, normal physiology and pathophysiology, and various aspects should be considered when planning a positron emission tomography (PET) scan in a child. PET in children is a growing area, and this article describes the practical use and implementation of PET in children in a hospital PET centre. It is intended to be of use to nuclear medicine departments implementing or starting to implement PET scans in children. Topics covered are: dealing with children, dosimetry, organisation within the department and relations with other departments, preparation of the child (provision of information to the child and parents and the fasting procedure), the imaging procedure (resting, tracer injection, positioning, sedation and bladder emptying) and pitfalls in the interpretation of PET scans in children, including experiences with telemedicine.