No one should underestimate the power of a squirming or frightened child to make good imaging difficult, says Jane E. Benson, M.D., acting director of Hopkins' Pediatric Radiology Service. That background not only has helped them develop a wide range of strategies over the years to get the best images from children, but also has made them alert to diagnostic possibilities that sometimes escape general radiologists working with younger patients. But much of that's due to the child crying and expelling air.
Pediatric radiologists know to subtract that effect mentally and get a more accurate diagnosis.
All of the newer radiologic techniques available for adults, such as color-flow doppler ultrasound, are on hand for children, says Benson. Additionally, staff frequently help referring physicians organize a radiologic work-up. They also interpret studies sent from other institutions.