Clinical applications of electrical impedance tomography in pediatric subjects

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that has gained significant attention in recent years for its potential clinical applications in pediatric patients. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge regarding the clinical applications of EIT in pediatric healthcare. We explore the unique advantages of EIT in pediatric patients, summarize key findings from relevant studies, and discuss potential future directions for research and clinical implementation. However, through a critical synthesis of existing evidence, we identify the remaining evidence gaps and practical barriers in clinical applications, and it is necessary to conduct further research and standardization efforts to optimize the routine application of EIT in pediatric intensive care. These findings may inform recommendations for pediatric intensive care and future research priorities. IMPACT: As a non-invasive, bedside imaging technique free from ionizing radiation, electrical impedance tomography (EIT) has emerged as a promising diagnostic tool for continuous physiological monitoring in pediatric patients. This review systematically examines the state-of-the-art applications of EIT in pediatric healthcare, elucidating the modality's inherent advantages in this population, synthesizing principal findings from contemporary studies, and outlining priorities for future research and clinical implementation.