Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 11, 2025
Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus
Published on: March 6, 2019
Pediatric Pulmonary Embolism: Imaging Guidelines and Recommendations
Spencer G Degerstedt1, Abbey J Winant2, Edward Y Lee2
1Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
Insights
Pediatric pulmonary embolism diagnosis lacks clear guidelines. This review offers an updated imaging approach and algorithm for diagnosing pulmonary embolism in children, improving patient care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Diagnostic Algorithms
Background:
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) diagnosis in children lacks established algorithms, unlike in adults.
- The incidence of PE in pediatric and young adult populations is underestimated.
- Current diagnostic strategies for pediatric PE require urgent updates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an updated review of imaging techniques for pediatric pulmonary embolism.
- To outline characteristic radiologic findings in pediatric PE.
- To present an evidence-based algorithm for diagnosing pediatric PE.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of diagnostic imaging modalities for pediatric PE.
- Analysis of radiologic findings associated with PE in pediatric patients.
- Development of a structured, evidence-based diagnostic algorithm.
Main Results:
- Detailed description of various imaging techniques (e.g., CTPA, V/Q scan) and their utility.
- Identification of key imaging features indicative of PE in children.
- Presentation of a novel, stepwise diagnostic algorithm for suspected pediatric PE.
Conclusions:
- Updated imaging guidelines are crucial for accurate pediatric PE diagnosis.
- The proposed algorithm aims to standardize and improve the diagnostic pathway.
- Enhanced diagnostic accuracy will lead to improved clinical outcomes for pediatric PE patients.
Abstract:
In contrast with the algorithms and screening criteria available for adults with suspected pulmonary embolism, there is a paucity of guidance on the diagnostic approach for children. The incidence of pulmonary embolism in the pediatric population and young adults is higher than thought, and there is an urgent need for updated guidelines for the imaging approach to diagnosis in the pediatric population. This article presents an up-to-date review of imaging techniques, characteristic radiologic findings, and an evidence-based algorithm for the detection of pediatric pulmonary embolism to improve the care of pediatric patients with suspected pulmonary embolism.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
01:29Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
01:13Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...
01:27Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
01:30Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
01:20Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...