Pediatric radiology

Imaging doesn’t have to be scary.

Pediatric radiology offers all medical imaging techniques to aid in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of pediatric illness and injury. We are a dedicated group of subspecialty trained pediatric imaging physicians (pediatric radiologists), who work closely with our pediatric medical and surgical colleagues to ensure the right imaging test is performed in a safe, timely and accurate manner.

In addition to our subspecialty board certified pediatric radiologists, Prisma Health Children’s Hospitals are served by dedicated pediatric sonographers and pediatric technologists, with special training in performing X-ray and ultrasound exams on children.

Coming to the hospital for an imaging test can be scary, particularly for young children. It is our goal to make the pediatric imaging experience as smooth as possible.

Medical imaging tests we perform:

X-ray (radiograph)

Radiographs use X-rays to see the inside of the body. We can perform radiographs to look for diseases or injuries to various body parts, including the bones, lungs and abdomen. As with all of our imaging tests we use dedicated pediatric techniques to perform the exam with the least amount of X-ray radiation possible.

Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopy involves using low dose X-rays to see the inside of the body in real-time, like taking an X-ray movie of the body. Often, this involves drinking contrast material (such as barium) or putting contrast material into the bladder, and then watching the contrast material move through the body. Some of the fluoroscopy procedures we perform include:

• VCUG (voiding cystourethrogram)
• Upper GI exam
• Speech swallow wtudy
• Barium enema
• Intussusception air enema reduction

Computed tomography (CT)

CT exams also use X-rays to see the inside of the body, creating a high resolution, 3-dimensional image of the inside of a body part. In contrast to standard radiographs, CT uses more X-rays with typically greater overall radiation dose to create these more detailed images. Our pediatric specific CT protocols ensure that the images are acquired with the least amount of radiation possible.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

MRI uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer (there is no X-ray radiation with MRI) to produce detailed pictures of the inside of your body. MRI may be used to diagnose and monitor a wide variety of conditions throughout the body, including in the brain, bones, abdomen and pelvis.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses sound waves (like a sonar system) to create images of the inside of the body. Our dedicated pediatric ultrasound technologists (pediatric sonographers) can use ultrasound to examine many body parts, including the liver, gallbladder, kidneys and hips. Ultrasound is safe, noninvasive, and does not use X-rays. Ultrasound can also be performed on our youngest of patients who may have trouble remaining still for an MRI or CT scan.

Nuclear medicine

Nuclear medicine imaging uses small amounts of radioactive materials called radiotracers that are typically injected into the bloodstream or swallowed. The radiotracer travels to the body part to be examined and gives off energy in the form of gamma rays which are detected by a special camera and a computer to create images of the inside of the body. The most frequently performed pediatric nuclear medicine studies that we offer include:

• DMSA and MAG3 renal scans
• Gastric emptying study
• Gallbladder function study

To learn more about the Children’s Hospital Outpatient Radiology Center in the Upstate, please call 1-877-4R-BUDDY.

To learn more about pediatric imaging and radiology services in the Midlands, please call 803-434-9100.