Renz DM, Huisinga C, Pfeil A, Böttcher J, Schwerk N, Streitparth F, Weidemann J. [Chest X-rays in children and adolescents : Indications and limitations].
Radiologe 2022;
62:140-148. [PMID:
35041027 PMCID:
PMC8764643 DOI:
10.1007/s00117-021-00954-9]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
CLINICAL ISSUE
Chest X‑ray is the most commonly performed X‑ray examination in children and adolescents. The aim of this review is to present the benefit of this radiologic modality, but also its limitations.
METHODS
Compared with older children, most X‑ray examinations of the chest were performed in newborns. After the neonatal period, this review focusses on the diagnosis of inflammatory pulmonary changes, foreign body aspiration, detection of pulmonary nodules, and cystic fibrosis.
METHODOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS
The radiation exposure of X‑ray examinations is continuously decreasing due to technical innovations. However, other imaging modalities were also continuously being optimized; therefore, alternatives without radiation exposure, i.e., magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] and ultrasound, should be considered in case of specific clinical indications.
PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATION
Even if the diagnostic performance of chest X‑ray examinations is often minor compared to computed tomography or MRI, chest X‑ray still has a high value in children and adolescents, due to its ubiquitous availability and the relatively simple acquisition.
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