European journal of radiology
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Computerized tomography (CT) is an extremely powerful imaging modality, which provides extremely valuable information for the diagnosis, staging, and management of pediatric solid tumors. In recent years, the concern of potential risks associated with ionizing radiation from diagnostic imaging - especially from CT - has greatly increased. ⋯ The purpose of this article is to review the role of CT and its imaging key points for diagnosis, staging and planning surgical excision of common extracranial pediatric tumors, according to protocol specific imaging guidelines. The issue of the radiation burden from CT in children with cancer, and criteria of good practice to reduce it, will also be discussed.
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The use of paediatric multi-slice CT (MSCT) is rapidly increasing worldwide. As technology advances its application in paediatric care is constantly expanding with an increasing need for radiation dose control and appropriate utilization. Recommendations on how and when to use CT for assessment of the paediatric urinary tract appear to be an important issue. ⋯ The specific aim is not only to offer general recommendations on clinical indications and optimization processes of paediatric CT examination, but also to address various childhood characteristics and phenomena that facilitate understanding the different approach and use of uro-CT in children compared to adults. According to ALARA principles, paediatric uro-CT should only be considered for selected indications provided high-level comprehensive US is not conclusive and alternative non-ionizing techniques such as MR are not available or appropriate. Optimization of paediatric uro-CT protocols (considering lower age-adapted kV and mAs) is mandatory, and the number of phases and acquisition series should be kept as few as possible.
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Computed tomography (CT) is a powerful and irreplaceable imaging technique in the evaluation of thoracic disease in infants and children. Recent advances in CT technology, with multi-detector equipment now widely available in most institutions, allowing a highly detailed evaluation of the chest in a short time period has resulted in expanding indications of chest CT in paediatric patients. ⋯ Accordingly with the ALARA concept, a judicious and correct use of CT is strongly advisable in order to reduce unnecessary high dose radiation exposure. The objective of this paper is to review the use of chest CT in paediatric patients focused mainly on basic technical aspects and clinical applications in the evaluation of the lungs, mediastinum and chest wall.
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CTA plays an important role in evaluation of the major thoracic vessels in children. The purpose of this review is to describe the application of CTA in evaluation of the thoracic aorta, the pulmonary arteries and veins, and potential aortic-pulmonary collaterals. Indications, consideration, technical details of how to perform these investigations in children, restrictions and representative illustration are presented and discussed.