Pediatric Radiography Notes

Aspiration: Common in small children leading to mechanical obstruction in the bronchial tree. Right bronchus is most affected due to anatomical reasons, potentially causing atelectasis and bronchiectasis.
Asthma: Often triggered by anxiety or allergies, resulting in narrowed airways and labored breathing. Chest radiographs may appear normal despite increased mucus.
Croup: Viral infection in children ages 1-3, marked by labored breathing and harsh cough. Treated with antibiotics with potential radiographs showing tapering of the upper airway.
Cystic Fibrosis: Inherited condition leading to heavy mucus production causing blockage in the lungs; visible as increased radiodensities on chest radiographs.
Epiglottitis: A bacterial infection in children 2-5 years old that can cause rapid airway blockage. Requires emergency management to preserve airway.
Hyaline Membrane Disease: Now known as respiratory distress syndrome; severe condition in newborns indicating alveolar fluid buildup seen in radiographs.
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome: Fetal distress during birth can lead to meconium inhalation, causing airway blockage and potential lung complications.
Thyroid Disorders: Congenital goiter, cretinism, and neonatal Graves' disease can all affect breathing and require radiographic examination.

Craniostenosis: Skull deformity due to early suture closure; results vary based on affected sutures.
Developmental Dysplasia of Hip: Dislocation of the femoral head in newborns; more common in girls and via breech birth.
Idiopathic Juvenile Osteoporosis: Condition leading to fragile bones, presenting in children and young adults.
Osteochondrodysplasia: Hereditary disorders leading to abnormal bone growth; achondroplasia is the most common form leading to dwarfism.
Osteochondrosis: Primarily affects epiphyseal plates causing pain and deformity. Examples include Kohler's disease and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.
Osteogenesis Imperfecta: Genetic condition resulting in fragile bones and deformities.
Infantile Osteomalacia: Lack of calcification in developing bones leading to deformities; common sign includes bowed legs.
Salter-Harris Fractures: Involve epiphyseal plates with various classifications based on involved anatomy.
Spina Bifida: Incomplete vertebrae formation leading to varying severity, with meningocele and myelocele being more severe forms.
Talipes (Clubfoot): Congenital foot deformity evaluated through ultrasound and radiography.

Atresias: Congenital openings absent, requiring surgical correction (e.g., anal atresia).
Hematuria: Blood in urine indicating conditions like kidney cancer or stones.
Hirschsprung's Disease: Absence of nerves in the large intestine leads to severe constipation, often remedied by surgery.
Hypospadias/Epispadias: Urethra abnormalities in males.
Intestinal Obstruction: Mechanical blockages noted in various contexts, common in newborns.
Necrotizing Enterocolitis: Intestinal inflammation in premature infants with potential tissue death.
Polycystic Kidney Disease: An inherited condition resulting in kidney enlargement and often requiring transplantation.
Pyelonephritis: Kidney infection commonly related to vesicoureteral reflux.
Pyloric Stenosis: Narrowing at the stomach outlet causing projectile vomiting.
Urinary Tract Infections: Infection risk increases in certain demographics as well as vesicoureteral reflux.

Concerns: Digital imaging has raised concerns about radiation doses in children, resulting in campaigns like "Image Gently" to promote lower exposure protocols.
Mitigation: Use high mA, short exposure times, appropriate grid usage for thicker body parts, and maintain patient-specific technique charts.
Gonadal Protection: Utilize contact shields for gonads unless it obscures anatomy; explain protective measures to parents thoroughly.
Parental Safety: Provide lead aprons for parents in radiographic rooms; assess potential pregnancy before allowing their presence.
Pre-examination Prep: Ensure all necessary prep and equipment is in place before patient arrival.
Child Prep: Remove items that can cause image artifacts before the procedure.