IAEA survey of paediatric computed tomography practice in 40 countries in Asia, Europe, Latin America and Africa: procedures and protocols

OBJECTIVE

To survey procedures and protocols in paediatric computed tomography (CT) in 40 less resourced countries.

METHODS

Under a project of the International Atomic Energy Agency, 146 CT facilities in 40 countries of Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America responded to an electronic survey of CT technology, exposure parameters, CT protocols and doses.

RESULTS

Modern MDCT systems are available in 77 % of the facilities surveyed with dedicated paediatric CT protocols available in 94 %. However, protocols for some age groups were unavailable in around 50 % of the facilities surveyed. Indication-based protocols were used in 57 % of facilities. Estimates of radiation dose using CTDI or DLP from standard CT protocols demonstrated wide variation up to a factor of 100. CTDI(vol) values for the head and chest were between two and five times those for an adult at some sites. Sedation and use of shielding were frequently reported; immobilisation was not. Records of exposure factors were kept at 49 % of sites.

CONCLUSION

There is significant potential for improvement in CT practice and protocol use for children in less resourced countries. Dose estimates for young children varied widely. This survey provides critical baseline data for ongoing quality improvement efforts by the IAEA.

Imaging of tuberculosis of the spine

Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death worldwide that can be attributed to a single infectious agent. With the onset of the AIDS epidemic, there has been a resurgence of TB in recent years. Skeletal TB constitutes 1% to 3% of extrapulmonary cases, and typically involves the spine. TB of the spine should be considered in the differential diagnosis of many spinal conditions affecting patients of all ages. The pathophysiology, clinical and imaging features of TB of the spine are reviewed, with illustrations of findings on radiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Familiarity with the imaging features of TB of the spine may enable a more rapid diagnosis to be made, thereby preventing a delay in diagnosis with its consequent complications.

Clinics in diagnostic imaging (73). Left hydronephrosis due to pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction

A full-term male infant was antenatally diagnosed to have left hydronephrosis. Post natal ultrasonography (US) and diuretic renography confirmed the diagnosis of left pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction. His clinical course was complicated by one episode of urinary tract infection. Serial US and diuretic renography showed no improvement in the obstruction. The patient underwent an Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty at nine months of age with no post-operative complications. The diagnosis and management of antenatally-diagnosed hydronephrosis are discussed.

Clinics in diagnostic imaging (69). Bilateral developmental dysplasia of the hip

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a condition encompassing a spectrum of abnormality. The ultrasonography features of DDH in a male infant is illustrated. Follow-up after treatment with a Pavlik harness shows resolution of the DDH. In the neonatal period, ultrasonography (US) is the modality of choice used to evaluate babies with suspected developmental dysplasia of the hip. The unossified cartilaginous femoral head and much of the acetabulum can be visualised on US. When the femoral head begins to ossify, pelvic radiographs can be used to follow-up patients with developmental dysplasia of the hips.

Intussusception: a three-year review

INTRODUCTION

Intussusception is the commonest cause of intestinal obstruction in infants and young children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This report reviews the clinical presentation, investigations and outcomes of patients with intussusception treated at the KK Women's and Children's Hospital between 1 May 1997 and 30 April 2000.

RESULTS

The study population comprised 160 consecutive patients treated for intussusception at our hospital over this 3-year period. The commonest symptom was vomiting; present in 135 patients (84.4%). A palpable abdominal mass was present in 90 patients (56.3%). The classical features of vomiting, abdominal pain, abdominal mass and rectal bleeding were present together in only 12 patients (7.5%). Abdominal ultrasonography was performed in 155 patients. One hundred and fifty-two patients (98.1%) had the classical target lesion on ultrasonography. Air enema reduction was attempted in all except 6 patients. In the majority of patients (130 or 84.4%), the intussusception was reduced successfully by air enema reduction. There was no association between the duration of symptoms before radiological reduction and the outcome of radiological reduction.

CONCLUSIONS

As the four classical features of intussusception were present together in only 7.5% of our patients, a high index of suspicion is necessary when any of the signs and symptoms are present in an infant or young child. Abdominal ultrasonography is the diagnostic investigation of choice. Air enema reduction was successful in 84.4% of patients and the duration of symptoms did not reduce the success rate. Thus, air enema reduction should be attempted in most patients unless they have absolute contraindications.