Imaging Gently

Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2018 May;36(2):349-368. doi: 10.1016/j.emc.2017.12.003.

Abstract

Advances in medical imaging are invaluable in the care of pediatric patients in the emergent setting. The diagnostic accuracy offered by studies using ionizing radiation, such as plain radiography, computed tomography, and fluoroscopy, are not without inherent risks. This article reviews the evidence supporting the risk of ionizing radiation from medical imaging as well as discusses clinical scenarios in which clinicians play an important role in supporting the judicious use of imaging studies.

Keywords: Computed tomography (CT) utilization; Imaging; Ionizing radiation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Decision Support Techniques
  • Diagnostic Imaging / adverse effects
  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods*
  • Diagnostic Imaging / trends
  • Humans
  • Pediatric Emergency Medicine / methods*
  • Radiation, Ionizing
  • Safety Management*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / trends