Innovations in pediatric imaging: a scoping review of the past decade with case illustrations

Imaging plays a fundamental and increasing role in the diagnostic work-up of pediatric patients. Non-invasive imaging methods include ultrasonography, X-ray, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The importance of pediatric imaging is reflected in a large, and growing, body of scientific literature.

A scoping review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. MEDLINE (PubMed) was systematically searched in February 2025 for English-language original studies published between 2015 and 2025 in peer-reviewed journals. Additionally, illustrative cases from our institutional cohort were included to complement the review findings.

The presented scoping review demonstrates significant technical innovations in all explored imaging modalities. In ultrasonography, trauma imaging and contrast-enhanced ultrasound beyond voiding ultrasound are major areas of progress. X-ray and CT imaging in children benefit from improved radiation protection. Photon-counting CT has been introduced into routine clinical practice. Low-field, real-time, and CT-like MRI reduces the need for sedation and makes MRI faster, safer, and more accurate while opening new application possibilities. Finally, improvements in hybrid imaging [positron emission tomography (PET)/CT and PET/MRI], new contrast agents, and the implementation of advanced artificial intelligence techniques are pushing boundaries in diagnostic imaging.

A decade of on-going technical innovation has provided interesting new tools for safer, faster, and more patient-centered clinical imaging studies in children and adolescents.