Acta Radiologica: Special Pediatric Issue 2013

Abstract

Pediatric radiology is concerned with the radiological manifestations of diseases of children and the unique imaging needs of the pediatric patient; the key component being safety. In this special issue of Acta Radiologica, worldrenowned colleagues have provided updates in their particular fields of pediatric imaging, including advice on magnetic resonance and computed tomography strategies, as well as on musculoskeletal, fetal, and cardiothoracic imaging, and imaging in oncology. The importance of a child-specific approach has been addressed in a recent paper, showing a high rate of major disagreements between interpretations of pediatric imaging studies by generalist community radiologists and those of specialty radiologists at a tertiary care pediatric hospital (1). Notably, there was a significant correlation between the second opinion interpretations and the final diagnoses, thus assuming a crucial role in patient management. The major disagreement rates of 14.3% and 32.6% for neurologic and body examinations, respectively, encompassed conditions such as fractures, appendicitis, and epidural hemorrhage, all of which imply substantial alterations in management and prognosis. The results are alarming; more so among pediatric radiologists than institutional managers influenced by the New Public Management philosophy emphasizing economic and leadership principles, and should fuel our efforts to enhance education and research within our field. The white paper on undergraduate education in radiology by the European Society of Radiology, followed by their newly updated curriculum, also reflect the need for detailed knowledge within all the different radiological subspecialties in order to meet the growing demands of advanced imaging (2). Enjoy reading!