Pediatric radiology
-
Pediatric radiology · Nov 2008
ReviewPediatric head trauma: the evidence regarding indications for emergent neuroimaging.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of childhood death and disability worldwide. In the United States, childhood head trauma results in approximately 3,000 deaths, 50,000 hospitalizations, and 650,000 emergency department (ED) visits annually. Children presenting to the ED with seemingly minor head trauma account for approximately one-half of children with documented TBIs. ⋯ What constitutes appropriate criteria for obtaining CT scans in children after minor blunt head trauma remains controversial. Current evidence to guide clinicians in this regard is limited; however, large studies performed in multi-center research networks have recently been conducted. These studies should provide the foundation of evidence to guide CT decisions by clinicians, help identify TBIs in a timely fashion, and reduce unnecessary radiation exposure.
-
Pediatric radiology · Nov 2008
Standards for radiology interpretation and reporting in the emergency setting.
The radiologist plays a pivotal role in the medical management of injury and illness in both adults and children in the emergency setting. Although the primary role of the radiologist is to assist in establishing a correct diagnosis, the radiologist's responsibility goes well beyond simple detection and documentation. ⋯ Radiologists must be familiar with both local and national practice guidelines related to the care of the patient in the emergency setting, in relation to both construction of the radiology report and appropriate communication of the results of radiologic studies. Familiarity with these aspects of the radiologists' responsibilities maximizes the chance of successful outcomes and minimizes the frequency of (and liability for) malpractice.
-
Pediatric radiology · Nov 2008
Standards for clinical evaluation and documentation by the emergency medicine provider.
Pediatric emergency medicine is full of challenges. When a pediatric patient has a poor outcome after treatment in an emergency department (ED), a malpractice lawsuit is likely to result. Pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) physicians might sometimes alter their medical care and practice "defensive medicine" in hopes of avoiding a malpractice lawsuit. ⋯ On the other hand, failure to order the appropriate study or misinterpretation of a radiographic study by a radiologist or an emergency physician can result in a malpractice lawsuit. PEM physicians must work cooperatively with radiologists to improve the care for children in the ED. Together these specialists can decide on appropriate studies for children in the ED, keep radiation exposure to a minimum and ensure proper management based on these studies.