Urgent and emergent pediatric cardiovascular imaging

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Radiology
• Pediatric Cardiology
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Urgent cardiovascular imaging in children is infrequent compared to adults.
• Pediatric patients may need imaging for trauma or non-trauma related issues from neonates to adolescents.
• Coronary pathology is an uncommon cause of pediatric emergencies, unlike in adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review common pediatric cardiovascular emergencies in the thoracic region.
• To discuss imaging strategies for acute conditions, including traumatic and non-traumatic causes.
• To provide guidance on selecting appropriate imaging techniques for pediatric cardiovascular emergencies.

Main Methods:

• Review of common cardiovascular emergencies in pediatric patients.
• Discussion of imaging modalities including chest radiography, computed tomography, echocardiography, and magnetic resonance imaging.
• Analysis of imaging recommendations based on clinical presentation and pathology.

Main Results:

• Radiology, particularly chest radiography, CT, and echocardiography, is vital for acute pediatric cardiovascular management.
• Magnetic resonance imaging may be beneficial in subacute cases.
• Radiologists' expertise in choosing and interpreting imaging is fundamental for effective care.

Conclusions:

• This review focuses on common thoracic cardiovascular emergencies and acute conditions in children.
• It covers situations requiring acute cardiovascular imaging, not limited to strict emergencies.
• Imaging recommendations are tailored to clinical scenarios and underlying pathologies in pediatric patients.