Emerging technologies in pediatric radiology: current developments and future prospects.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Radiology
• Medical Imaging Technology

Background:

• Pediatric patients present unique physiological and anatomical differences compared to adults, necessitating specialized approaches in radiological imaging.
• Current radiological imaging techniques face specific challenges when applied to pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and analyze challenges in pediatric radiology.
• To explore emerging imaging technologies and their potential to address these challenges.
• To discuss future prospects in the field of pediatric radiology.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review of articles published between January 2015 and October 2023.
• Analysis of current and emerging imaging technologies relevant to pediatric radiology.
• Evaluation of the role of new technologies in overcoming pediatric imaging challenges.

Main Results:

• Rapid advancements in imaging technologies including ultrasound, CT, MRI, nuclear imaging, teleradiology, AI, machine learning, 3D printing, radiomics, and radiogenomics.
• Identification of specific challenges in pediatric imaging related to patient size, cooperation, and developmental stage.
• Emerging technologies show promise in mitigating existing challenges and improving diagnostic outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Addressing the unique needs of pediatric patients is paramount in the development of new imaging technologies.
• Prioritizing pediatric-specific considerations can significantly alleviate challenges in pediatric radiology.
• Future advancements in imaging technology hold substantial potential for enhancing pediatric diagnostic capabilities.