Pediatric radiology

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Pediatric Radiology is a branch of radiology and of medicine . The aim is radiological imaging in children and adolescents with special consideration of individual, age-related physical and psychological issues. Radiation protection also plays an important role here in order to make the necessary diagnostics on the child as low-dose as possible. Since children are not “little adults”, a sound knowledge of pediatric diseases is required.

According CPE regulations the Pediatric Radiology is a priority expertise that medical specialists for radiology can achieve. The further training period is three years, one year of which can be completed during the specialist training for radiology. As a rule, full further training can only be obtained at university clinics or larger hospitals . Pediatric radiology is subordinated to “general” diagnostic radiology, so good pediatric radiology requires excellent knowledge of pediatric medicine as well as general radiology.

Diagnosis

Sonography (ultrasound)

Ultrasound examination in the infant

The ultrasound is one of the most important imaging procedures are in Pediatric Radiology. She takes a much more important here than in the general adult or radiology. On the one hand, it is a universally applicable, inexpensive procedure that can be carried out without exposure to radiation and without known side effects . On the other hand, however, as a procedure that is very dependent on the examiner, it places high demands on the examiner's expertise and skills. The image quality of sonographic examinations on children is usually significantly better due to the much lower body volume compared to adults , so that in pediatric radiology sonography can often replace the more complex cross- sectional image diagnostics such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRT).

X-ray examinations

The x-ray examinations in pediatric radiology are basically similar to those in adult radiology, albeit with some differences. For example, special aluminum-copper filters are required to minimize the dose of X-rays . When examining infants and toddlers , special holding devices, for example so-called Babix covers, are used to hold the patient in place.

Fluoroscopy

Even with fluoroscopy , the examinations are similar to adult radiology. Water-soluble contrast media are mostly used, especially for babies and small children . The most common examinations or questions concern the gastrointestinal tract .

Angiography

Angiographies in childhood are a rarity. As a rule, attempts are made to visualize vessels with other modalities , i.e. sonography / Doppler sonography or MR angiography , only rarely as CT angiography . However , it may be necessary for certain vascular diseases, such as, for example, fibromuscular dysplasia , or certain postoperative conditions, including following liver or kidney transplants ; especially when an intervention is to be carried out.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

MRI, also known as magnetic resonance imaging, is the "big" cross- sectional imaging method of choice in pediatric radiology when the issues cannot be clarified or not sufficiently clarified by sonography, as this examination method, in contrast to CT, does not require X-rays and also offers significantly more options. The disadvantage, however, is the examination time of up to 1.5 hours (for example with a whole-body MRI) and the high susceptibility to movement artifacts, so that infants and small children usually have to be sedated .

Computed tomography (CT)

Due to the comparatively high radiation exposure , computed tomography is used much less frequently in pediatric radiology than in adult radiology. Whenever possible one will try to use alternatives that are less harmful to radiation, such as sonography or MRI. However, especially questions about the lungs often require a CT, as this is the best way to assess the lung parenchyma . CT also has a firm place in emergency diagnostics .

See also

literature

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ State Office for Occupational Safety, Health Protection and Technical Safety, Radiation Protection in Pediatric Radiology ( Memento of the original from June 21, 2010 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. @1@ 2Template: Webachiv / IABot / www.berlin.de

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