What is paediatric radiology?

Paediatric radiology is a subspecialty branch of diagnostic radiology focused on imaging of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. Imaging modalities such as X-ray, Ultrasound and MRI are used to study various parts of the body to diagnose disease conditions. Although similar to adults, paediatric radiology is highly specialised since many disease conditions occur specifically in children. The effect of imaging modalities such as Xray and CT is an important factor in paediatric radiology since children with their developing bodies are more susceptible to the adverse effects of radiation than are adults of equivalent size. The equipment is calibrated for low dose and exposure setting.

Paediatric radiology requires specialised equipment, trained personnel, technologists and nursing staff well versed with dealing with children. Hence often this is carried out in specialised children’s hospital departments.

Most paediatric radiology departments are set in child friendly environment, with bright colourful rooms / murals.

Paediatric radiology can be quite challenging. Children may not be able to comprehend and understand what is being done during an imaging examination and may not be able to cooperate with the technologists. They may need parents close to them all the time. Judicious use of radiation requires careful consideration from the technologist and the radiologist in determining the most appropriate modality and optimising the technique for imaging.

Several years of specialised training in paediatric imaging enables Paediatric radiographers, sonographers, nurses and paediatric radiologists to perform these jobs to high standards.

Who is a paediatric radiologist?

Paediatric radiologist is a specialist doctor who is an expert in the diagnosis of health conditions and diseases of infants, children and adolescents, with the help of various imaging techniques such as Xray, Ultrasound and MRI. Typically paediatric radiologists will have completed a medical degree followed by specialist training in radiology. Following this they often spend one or more years of fellowship training to acquire special skills focussed on imaging and diagnosis in children.

Why see a paediatric radiologist?

Paediatric radiologists have specialised knowledge and understanding of health and illnesses of infants, children and young people. They have been trained how to identify medical conditions that are unique to children, so they know what, where and how to look for signs on imaging to make an accurate diagnosis and quickly. They are familiar with normal appearances and their variants, so they are able to correctly diagnose abnormalities when seen, but also to avoid unnecessary examinations. As medical specialists, paediatric radiologists work closely with paediatricians and other paediatric specialists in order to assist and guide them in the management of your child’s healthcare needs.