Abstract

PROENCA, F.; FREITAS, J.; GERALDO, A. F.  and  REIMAO, S.. Neuroimaging Safety in Children. Acta Radiol Port [online]. 2023, vol.35, n.2, pp.15-23.  Epub Aug 31, 2023. ISSN 2183-1351.  https://doi.org/10.25748/arp.29046.

Paediatric neuroimaging is distinct from adult imaging, warranting dedicated approaches that take into account the singularities of this population in the selection of the appropriate imaging techniques for each phase of the normal development. The impact of ionising radiation exposure or contrast media usage need to be taken into account when planning or performing paediatric imaging, with risk versus benefit needing a specific assessment in these age groups, especially considering x-ray exposure. Magnetic resonance is radiation free and provides accurate anatomical detail of the brain and spinal cord, being the preferred imaging method in children, despite some reported adverse effects. To produce high quality images, neuroradiologists must be aware that there are several challenges in children mainly due to their small size and immaturity. Non-cooperation is a challenge in this group that demands creativity (with specific devices to use inside the scanners) and fast imaging methods, minimising the use of anaesthetics.

The scope of this article is to review the challenges of paediatric neuroimaging, focusing on the specificities of these patients, namely main indications for imaging, risks and concerns regarding the most commonly used neuroimaging techniques available, use of contrast media and the need of sedation or general anaesthesia, and to provide recommendations that optimise safety in paediatric neuroimaging, proposing an algorithm approach based on risk/benefit assessment.

Keywords : Paediatric; Neuroimaging; Safety; Radiation; Contrast; Anaesthesia..

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