Ces radiol. 2023, 77(4):179-194 | DOI: 10.55095/CesRadiol2023/021

Photon-counting CT in pediatric imagingReview article

Jiří Ferda, Jan Baxa, Hynek Mírka, Renata Vondráková

Klinika zobrazovacích metod LF UK a FN, Plzeň

Aim: To evaluate the experience with imaging children using photon-counting CTand to point out the basic procedures how to use the method in diagnosingdiseases in childhood.

Method: Over a period of 22 months, we performed a total of 209 examinationsof children using a CT system with a photon-counting detector (Naeotom Alpha,Siemens Healthineers, Forchheim, Germany).

Results: The most frequent indication in imaging was examination of theskeleton of the limbs in 64 cases, chest with a focus on pulmonary parenchymain 56 cases, examination of the abdomen in 32 cases. Examinations of childrenover 6 years of age (144 times) were indicated more often than in youngerchildren (65 times). Up to six years of age, children´s protocols adjusted tothe given age and weight category were also used almost exclusively, while inchildren over 6 years of age, imaging by modified protocols began topredominate. In addition to skeletal imaging, children are dominated by theuse of 70 kV protocols, which allowed for effective dose reduction and alsohave the highest effect of iodine attenuation when contrast medium wasadministered. The spectral method of imaging was used mainly in skeletalimaging.

Conclusion: Photon-counting CT is an imaging method that can take advantage ofthe advantages of high resolution and increased detection capabilities toincrease image quality while reducing the dose.

Keywords: Photon-counting CT, computed tomography, dose reduction, pediatricimaging

Published: December 1, 2023  Show citation