Using radiology in diagnosis of kids’ diseases

One must always remember that children are not small adults. More so in the use of radiation and other imaging techniques in determining diseases that afflict kids.

In general, illnesses and their manifestations in mature individuals are entirely different from those of children. The responses to injuries and stresses are much dissimilar.

For one, young people have an immature immune system, making them more prone to infections. Thus, the difference in the approach to therapy and care for the young patients.  

Dr. Bernard Laya, a US-trained pediatric radiologist, started in 2004 a training program at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in cooperation with the hospital’s medical management team in the development of imaging standards and guidelines for pediatric radiology.

What is a pediatric radiologist? He is a physician who is an expert at the diagnosis of various illnesses in infants, children and young adults utilizing imaging, which includes x-ray, ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear imaging.

He is responsible for interpreting results and makes sure that that the appropriate study is performed correctly and safely.

He deals not only with the patient but with the parents as well as the pediatrician and primary caregiver of the patient.

At present, there are only a few pediatric radiologists in the country considering that more than half of the population is made up of young people.

For the past five years, there have been significant changes in diagnostic radiology. These changes were not just confined to technology and equipment but there was the introduction of new concepts.

Though radiation is a safety concern in adult patients, particular attention is given to children since they are much more prone to radiation risks than older people.

In pediatric imaging, it is a must to check the appropriateness of the study being performed and the need to follow accepted parameters in children using the least amount of radiation.

Recently, the world saw a resurgence of tuberculosis with almost half of infected individuals coming from Asia and Africa.

According to a World Health Organization study, 22 countries were identified, accounting for 80 percent of all existing TB cases worldwide with new cases involving children younger than 15 years old. The Philippines ranked seventh.

Diagnosing primary pulmonary diseases in children is challenging and the symptoms of the infection are non-specific.

To help address the important clinical and radiologic issues, a forum was recently conducted by SLMC’s Institutes of Radiology and Pulmonary Medicine, with special focus on pediatric infection.    

Forum participants agreed that it is important for radiologists to be furnished with a history of the patient in the interpretation of chest film of children, especially those who are suspected of suffering from tuberculosis.

In the case of those who have undergone treatment, a disclaimer on the x-ray report may be included to avoid re-treatment if the patient does not need it.

For more information, call the SLMC at 723-0101 local 4150.