Trends in pediatric emergency imaging

Abdominal pain, respiratory infections, and skeletal trauma are among the most common reasons for imaging infants and children in the emergency department. The types of pathology and the imaging findings for the various causes of these conditions often differ significantly from those seen in adults with similar symptoms. Although radiographs remain the primary imaging tool, ultrasound, helical CT, and MR imaging play an increasingly important role in solving diagnostic problems in emergency pediatrics. This article highlights some of the common diagnostic dilemmas and discusses current trends in the use of advanced imaging in pediatric patients.