Changing the practice of routine gonadal shielding during radiography: 'Y'?

Update on imaging recommendations in paediatric uroradiology: the European Society of Paediatric Radiology workgroup session on voiding cystourethrography

Voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) is a fluoroscopic technique that allows the assessment of the urinary tract, including the urethra, bladder, and-if vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is present-the ureters and the pelvicalyceal systems. The technique also allows for the assessment of bladder filling and emptying, providing information on anatomical and functional aspects. VCUG is, together with contrast-enhanced voiding urosonography (VUS), still the gold standard test to diagnose VUR and it is one of the most performed fluoroscopic examinations in pediatric radiology departments. VCUG is also considered a follow-up examination after urinary tract surgery, and one of the most sensitive techniques for studying anatomy of the lower genitourinary tract in suspected anatomical malformations. The international reflux study in 1985 published the first reflux-protocol and graded VUR into five classes; over the following years, other papers have been published on this topic. In 2008, the European Society of Paediatric Radiology (ESPR) Uroradiology Task Force published the first proposed VCUG Guidelines with internal scientific society agreement. The purpose of our work is to create a detailed overview of VCUG indications, procedural recommendations, and to provide a structured final report, with the aim of updating the 2008 VCUG paper proposed by the European Society of Paediatric Radiology (ESPR). We have also compared VCUG with contrast-enhanced VUS as an emergent alternative. As a result of this work, the ESPR Urogenital Task Force strongly recommends the use of contrast-enhanced VUS as a non-radiating imaging technique whenever indicated and possible.

[Imaging in pediatric traumatology and orthopedics]

Conventional or digital radiography is still the basis of imaging diagnostics of the skeletal system in pediatric patients. It is considered the gold standard for diagnosis, treatment selection, and follow-up. In addition, procedures such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and also nuclear medicine techniques can and should be used. It is advantageous to use trained radiology technicians who are familiar with the handling of children in X‑ray diagnostics. If there is no dedicated pediatric radiology department, it is recommended to follow the guidelines from radiology societies (as low as reasonably achievable [ALARA]) and radiation protection commissions. The present article describes how state-of-the-art tools such as dose monitoring systems and software-controlled image processing and also postprocessing can be used. The article provides information on how the various modalities can be optimally used in order to achieve the best result, i.e., diagnosis, with the least possible effort and burden for the child.