Pediatric Imaging

X-ray exams use a small dose of radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body. X-rays are the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging. The image is interpreted by a doctor, called a radiologist, to detect and diagnose some medical conditions.

A fluoroscopy exam is a form of real-time x-ray that helps see inside the body, which can help to detect disease and abnormalities. Fluoroscopy makes it possible to see internal organs in motion. Different types of contrast may be used for these studies.

An ultrasound is a noninvasive test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of internal organs in the abdomen such as liver, kidneys or blood vessels. The human ear cannot hear these sound waves, so a wand called a transducer is used.

A contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in children is an advanced type of ultrasound that helps doctors see blood flow and organ function more clearly. It is done the same way as a regular ultrasound, using a small probe placed on the skin with some gel, but with the addition of a tiny amount of special “contrast” bubbles given through an IV. These bubbles are safe, do not involve radiation, and simply travel through the bloodstream. When the ultrasound probe sends sound waves, the bubbles make the pictures much brighter and clearer, especially for the liver, kidneys, or other organs.

A CT (computed tomography) scan, also called CAT scan, is a test that uses x-ray equipment to take detailed images of inside the body. Sometimes contrast is used with CT scans, depending on the reason for obtaining the test.

A PET-CT combines 2 types of imaging exams, PET (positron emission tomography) and CT (computed tomography) to find changes in the body at different stages of a disease. The PET scan measures metabolism. This can be used to determine the severity of cancers, neurological conditions, and infection.

An MRI is a test that uses magnetic fields to take detailed images of organs and tissues. An MRI does not use radiation. Sometimes, an MRI exam requires contrast to help the radiologists see the images more clearly and to better delineate the anatomy.

A fetal MRI is a noninvasive imaging exam that provides clear, high-resolution images. It requires no radiation. MRI uses magnetic fields to create multiple "snapshot" images of your baby that can provide further information about fetal anatomy. It is usually done in the second and third trimester.

A full body MRI in children is a special type of scan that lets doctors take detailed pictures of the inside of the body without using radiation. Instead, it uses a strong magnet and radio waves. The child usually lies on a bed that slowly moves through a large donut-shaped machine. This test helps doctors check many organs and tissues in one exam in a safe, non-invasive way.

A PET-MRI in children combines two powerful imaging tools in one test: PET, which shows how the body’s cells are working, and MRI, which shows very detailed pictures of the body’s structure. This test helps doctors see both how the body looks and how it functions in a single exam.