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Utilization of computed tomography imaging in the pediatric emergency department

Daniel Jack Frush1,2, Clayton W Commander3, Terry Scott Hartman3

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, 260 MacNider Building, CB# 7220, 321 S. Columbia St, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA. df41@duke.edu.

Pediatric Radiology
|December 7, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Computed tomography (CT) use in pediatric emergency departments decreased significantly, with notable reductions in chest and abdominal CT scans. This trend aligns with efforts to minimize radiation exposure in children.

Area of Science:

  • Radiology
  • Pediatric Imaging
  • Medical Imaging Utilization

Background:

  • Growing awareness of ionizing radiation risks in pediatric patients.
  • Initiatives like the Image Gently Alliance promote safe pediatric imaging practices.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess trends in computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasonography (US) utilization.
  • Evaluate changes in imaging modality use within a pediatric emergency department.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of imaging studies from July 2008 to June 2017.
  • Comparison of utilization rates with data from 2000-2006.
  • Categorization of CT, MRI, and US studies.

Main Results:

  • Overall CT utilization decreased across all examined categories.
  • Significant reductions observed in chest CT (66%) and abdominal CT (19%).
  • Increased use of ultrasonography (US) for abdominal/pelvic imaging and MRI for brain imaging noted.

Conclusions:

  • Computed tomography (CT) utilization declined in the pediatric emergency department during the study period.
  • The findings support a shift towards potentially safer imaging modalities.
  • Further research into modality-specific outcomes is warranted.
Abstract

Keywords:
ChildrenComputed tomographyEmergency departmentUtilization

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