According to the March of Dimes, congenital heart defects affect more than 25,000 infants every year in the United States.

Imaging children has many challenges due to their unique imaging requirements compared to adults. The best benchmark for a pediatric CT scanner should include the ability to acquire images as fast as possible, with the best image quality, and at the lowest possible x-ray dose.

Aquilion ONE can capture whole anatomical regions in a single rotation of the gantry. This ability can dramatically reduce the amount of contrast, radiation and possibly the need for sedation. Aquilion ONE also comes equipped with ^SUREExposure Pediatric which incorporates the unique imaging requirements of pediatric imaging and ensures the lowest possible dose while maintaining diagnostic image quality.

Case: CTA of the chest to evaluate congenital heart defect in a 9 month old infant with respiratory distress noted at birth.

Scan Parameters: 80kV, 25mAs, 0.35 second rotation.

3D volume rendered and MPR views clearly demonstrate this double aortic arch causing stenosis of the left main stem bronchus, most likely causing the infants continued respiratory distress. 3D images can give surgeons a roadmap for intervention, making it safer and saving time. No sedation was need for this scan due to the very short scan time of 0.35 seconds.

Imaging can be intimidating for patients of all ages, but for children in particular, the technology poses a unique challenge. To image young patients safely, it is crucial to minimize the number of scans needed for fast and accurate diagnosis. To minimize the number of scans performed, it is equally crucial that patients be as comfortable as possible during their exams. “The whole objective is to achieve a gentle experience,” Robb Young, senior product manager, CT business unit, Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc., explains.

To that end, Toshiba has developed a series of innovations to boost the comfort of pediatric imaging. These include a miniature CT scanner designed to help educate children about the procedure and help them exert a degree of control over the process. Prior to undergoing their own scans, children can watch a favorite toy go into the miniature CT. The mini-CT will be introduced at this year’s RSNA meeting, alongside a dedicated version of the Aquilion^® ONE unit designed for pediatric imaging and decorated with a playful jungle theme. “If a child is more comfortable, it’s going to be a better patient experience and ultimately a higher quality scan,” Young says.

With MRI, noise reduction is a key element to helping children relax and feel more comfortable during the scan process. Toshiba’s groundbreaking noise-reduction technology, Pianissimo™, and the short, open-bore design of all MRI units raise the pediatric comfort level. Joel Urick, product manager, MRI business unit, says, “Our Pianissimo technology makes our scanners much quieter than standard MR scans – up to 90 percent quieter with many sequences. Reducing the noise makes it much less scary. It allows us to make working with kids a little easier, and if they do need to be sedated, the odds of them waking up are reduced.” Bore design reduces the level of intimidation children feel; in many cases, kids can be imaged feet first. “That way, their parents can be at the front part of the scanner, holding their hands and doing whatever else is needed to make them more comfortable,” Urick notes.

In the case of ultrasound, often considered the frontline technology in pediatric imaging, room design can go a long way toward reducing the intimidation factor. Erin Owen, product manager in Toshiba’s ultrasound business unit, says, “Children will fuss with ultrasound, like anything else, but the transducers are designed to be comfortable, they have warm gel, and there’s usually a television where children can choose what they want to watch during exams.” Toshiba will also showcase a decorated pediatric ultrasound unit at this year’s RSNA meeting.  The unit will be decorated in a manner similar to that of the pediatric Aquilion ONE.

“Lowering dose is of utmost importance, but it’s also important to make imaging comfortable, fast, and the best experience it can be,” Young says. “These children deserve it.”

Click here to download a printer-friendly version.