Pediatric Imaging

Trust us to take the most important pictures of your children

Not all radiology facilities are the same. It takes a unique and special person to be able to work with children of all ages. At Progressive Radiology we not only do adult imaging, but we are the regional experts in Pediatric Radiology. All of our pediatric procedures are performed by a board-certified –fellowship-trained pediatric radiologist. The exams are assisted by technologists who have extensive training and experience in working with pediatric patients. Children and their families are nurtured through each examination in a safe, comforting, and reassuring environment. Results are interpreted expertly and communicated to your medical provider quickly to help treat your child immediately.

Tests Performed

Barium Enema

A barium enema is an X-ray study in which a small tube is inserted into your child’s rectum and the large intestine is then filled with a non-toxic contrast liquid. This contrast liquid highlights the rectum and large intestine. During the exam pictures are taken by the radiologist. No special preparation is needed prior to this examination.

CAT Scan (CT)

CT, or computed tomography, is a procedure that uses X-rays to take detailed, cross-sectional images of your child’s body. The information obtained is processed in a computer that displays cross-sectional pictures of internal organs that are interpreted by our radiologists. CT is particularly useful because it can show the internal body with tremendous clarity, and images can be obtained quickly.

• The American College of Radiology (ACR) along with the Society of Pediatric Radiology (SPR) has recently emphasized the need to keep the x-ray dose as low as possible in pediatric patients.
• This initiative, known as, “Image Gently” is a concept that our company endorses and follows in our day-to-day practice.
• Your child’s safety is our number ONE concern.  We recognize that children are more sensitive to radiation and what we do now lasts their lifetimes.  Therefore, our commitment to your child is to “kid-size” all of our techniques in order to dramatically reduce radiation doses during all of our exams.

• By choosing Progressive Radiology, you have chosen an imaging center that uses low dose CT scanners that have been selected with our pediatric patients in mind.
• We work closely with our physicist to implement specialized pediatric protocols and we use shielding techniques to reduce radiation exposure to areas of the body that are not being directly imaged.  
• We fully support the emphasis by the ACR and the SPR to diminish radiation dose, and will continue to use every technical advancement to limit radiation dose in our adult and pediatric patients.

Magnetic Resonance Arthrogram

An MRI arthrogram is an imaging procedure that highlights the interior of a joint and surrounding tissues. The injection of contrast material directly into joint spaces allows joints to be better seen during the MRI.

What will happen during my child’s MRI arthrogram?
This is a two-part exam. During the first part of the procedure, the radiologist will numb the area with local anesthetic and use a low-dose CT scan as a guide to safely inject sterile contrast into the joint. The second part of the procedure is performed in MRI where multiple pictures of the joint are obtained. This takes approximately 30-45 minutes. (see MRI)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, uses strong, specially designed magnet and radio waves to generate two- and three-dimensional pictures of the body. MR imaging does not use X-rays so there is no radiation exposure to your child.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound (US) is an imaging technology that uses high frequency sound waves to view internal organs and produce pictures of the human body. No radiation is used. At Progressive Radiology our experienced technologists are specially trained to perform exams unique to pediatric patients. These include but are not limited to evaluation of the brain, spine, stomach and pylorus, hips, abdomen, pelvis, and kidneys. The exam may take 15-45 minutes depending on the body part being examined and reason for the test. There is no preparation except for pelvic US, where intake of fluids should be encouraged prior to the exam.

Upper GI Series (UGI)

An upper GI (gastrointestinal) series is a type of examination in which your child drinks a non-toxic substance called barium which coats the upper digestive tract. The radiologist takes multiple pictures of the area of interest. If a small bowel follow through (SBFT) is ordered with this exam, additional pictures will be taken to assess the progress of the barium through the small intestine.

To prepare for this exam your child should not eat for the typical amount of time he/she usually goes without eating between meals at home (babies and toddlers 2-3 hours and older children 4-5 hours). This exam takes approximately 20-30 minutes (possibly up to 3 hours if combined with SBFT).

Voiding Cystourethrogram

A VCUG can help diagnose reflux and some bladder abnormalities, and help assess why your child has recurring urinary tract infections. It is also used to follow-up on patients with known urinary reflux following antibiotics or anti-reflux surgery. Your child is encouraged to bring a special small toy or blanket to comfort them during the procedure. There is no special preparation for this examination. However you know your child best and it is important that you explain the procedure in terms he/she will understand prior to your arrival to help them have a more positive experience.

What should I expect during my child’s VCUG?
The procedure will be performed by a highly trained pediatric radiologist. The technologist will gently position your child so that the genitals are optimally visualized. The doctor will then cleanse the area with sterile soap and insert a small flexible catheter (plastic tube) into the urinary bladder. The catheter will be connected to a bottle containing a clear liquid called X-ray contrast, which allows the radiologist to see inside the bladder. An X-ray camera will be positioned over your child and used to take pictures during the study. When your child’s bladder is full, your child will be asked to void into a plastic pool on the x-ray table. The entire test may take up to 25 minutes.

Once the study is complete, your child will be free to leave and resume normal activity.

X-Ray

Radiography, or X-ray, is the oldest and most frequent form of medical imaging. At Progressive Radiology we use computerized radiography (CR) that processes and stores the x-rays as a digital images. These images can be enhanced digitally to aid in interpretation and therefore reduce the need to repeat “poor quality” images. The examination is painless and fast.

Progressive Radiology can accommodate almost every imaging need in children including these commonly requested specialized exams:

All of these studies are performed at our Bel Air, Maryland.