Developments in Pediatric Radiology Presented at ECR

New techniques for pediatric disease diagnostics such as computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have opened a new window to pediatric organ systems, radiology specialists stressed at the European Congress of Radiology (ECR), held in Vienna, Austria.

Advanced imaging modalities may also help the observant radiologist to reveal signs of child abuse not evident to the clinician. "Through the use of these imaging modalities an increased understanding of the pathological processes that occur in the pediatric population has emerged,” noted associate professor Isabella Maria Björkman-Burtscher, from the division of diagnostic radiology, Lund University Hospital (Sweden), at the kick-off press conference of the ECR 2007, an event held from March 9–13, 2007, and attended by 16,000 participants from 92 countries.

Prof. Björkman-Burtscher commented, "However, the use of these techniques requires proper image interpretation based on a profound knowledge of the concepts of embryology, normal development, and pathophysiology. This knowledge is provided of course by text books and scientific journals, but not least by gatherings such as the annual ECR meeting.”

Among all the emerging and developing radiologic techniques, sophisticated
pediatric cardiac MR and ultrasound, for example, enable radiologists to observe and measure blood flow and cardiac activity in congenital heart disease, and thus improve the work up of these patients prior to surgery and rehabilitation. "MR spectroscopy gives us a non-invasive insight into tissue metabolism and allows earlier and more precise diagnosis of, for example, inborn errors of metabolism,” Prof. Björkman-Burtscher said.

Pediatric cancer patients profit from the increased diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities that modern pediatric radiology and interventions provide. New technologies not only allow examination of these patients with low doses of radiation, but also with alternative methods such as MR and ultrasound This aspect is crucial for these young patients, who are potentially at risk of developing cancer in adulthood due to high radiation exposure during diagnosis and follow-up.

Furthermore, advanced imaging techniques also play an important role in child protection, Prof. Björkman-Burtscher pointed out, "The observant radiologist may reveal signs of child abuse not evident to the clinician.”

However, modern pediatric radiology is not limited to post-natal medicine. Fetal MR allows the evaluation of maternal and fetal problems suspected during routine ultrasound examinations of pregnant women and will help clinicians and parents to optimize their decisions and treatment strategies.

"All of these aspects of pediatric radiology and many more will be elucidated during this annual meeting, giving interested radiologists the tools to take care of our children, the most precious gifts we have,” Prof. Björkman-Burtscher stressed.


Related Links:
European Congress of Radiology