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Modern Paediatric Radiology: Meeting the Challenges in CT and MRI
Pradeep Raj Regmi1, Isha Amatya2, Sharma Paudel1
1Department of Radiology and Imaging, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Insights
Minimizing radiation dose in pediatric computed X-ray tomography and reducing scan times for magnetic resonance imaging are crucial. These strategies aim for safer, sedation-free imaging in children, adhering to the "as low as reasonably achievable" principle.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Pediatric Radiology
Background:
- Radiology is vital for pediatric diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.
- Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are key modern modalities.
- CT involves radiation dose; MRI in children often requires sedation due to long scan times.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss methods for minimizing radiation dose in pediatric CT scans.
- To explore techniques for achieving effective, short, and sedation-free pediatric MRI.
- To emphasize adherence to the ALARA principle in pediatric imaging.
Main Methods:
- Implementing pediatric-specific protocols for CT.
- Limiting CT radiation exposure to the area of interest.
- Developing faster scan protocols and sequences for MRI.
Main Results:
- Paediatric-specific CT protocols and focused scanning reduce radiation dose.
- Faster MRI techniques enable sedation-free examinations in children.
- The "as low as reasonably achievable" (ALARA) principle guides dose reduction.
Conclusions:
- Optimized CT protocols and focused scanning minimize pediatric radiation exposure.
- Advanced MRI techniques facilitate shorter, sedation-free imaging for children.
- These advancements improve the safety and efficacy of radiological procedures in pediatric patients.
Abstract:
Radiology plays a very important part in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of children. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are the two most crucial developments in the modern era. However, the two modalities have their challenges to overcome. Radiation dose is the most unwanted side effect of computed tomography scans while longer scan time along with sedation is a major disadvantage in children during magnetic resonance imaging. Paediatric-specific protocol selection and limiting the exposure to the area of interest aid in reducing the dose during computed tomography scans. Faster scan protocols and sequences can result in imaging without sedation in magnetic resonance imaging. Considering the radiation exposure, "as low as reasonably achievable" principle should be followed strictly in the paediatric population. In this article, possible ways for minimising the radiation dose in computed tomography, as well as effective, short, and sedation-free magnetic resonance imaging, are discussed.
Keywords:
computed X-ray tomography; magnetic resonance imaging; pediatrics; radiation exposure; X-ray.
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