Pediatric multidetector body CT

Multidetector CT (MDCT) has quickly become established as an invaluable imaging option for children. Just as when single-detector helical CT replaced conventional CT, MDCT is now replacing single-detector CT (SDCT). Although much of this is caused by the overall benefits of CT [1], multidetector technology offers additional and unique advantages. Multidetector technology also presents additional and unique challenges for children. For example, the wide range of sizes, from small pre-term infants to large adult-size adolescents, makes scanning more demanding. Because of these unique considerations in children, the following material briefly summarizes the importance of MDCT; reviews the general technical considerations for MDCT; discusses applications of this technology for chest and abdomen imaging; and provides general recommendations for body (chest and abdomen) imaging of the pediatric population. Emphasis is placed on those technical considerations unique to multidetector technology, as opposed to conventional CT or SDCT. Those applications in which multidetector technology either improves or provides new information compared with older CT technology are reviewed. Technical aspects are discussed to a greater extent than applications because image quality and diagnostic capability are dependent on appropriate technique.