Electron-beam CT as a diagnostic modality in pediatric nephrology and renal transplant surgery

Pediatr Nephrol. 2006 May;21(5):677-82. doi: 10.1007/s00467-006-0045-2. Epub 2006 Mar 7.

Abstract

Electron-beam computed tomography is an imaging technology with a variety of medical applications, primarily in cardiology due to its sub-second acquisition time enabling visualization of a beating heart. Recently, this technique has also been introduced into other fields because of lower radiation exposure compared to traditional computed tomography, as well as the strengths of post-procedural three-dimensional visualization. This report evaluates electron-beam computed tomography as a diagnostic modality in pediatric nephrology patients. Seven patients reflecting typical clinical scenarios in pediatric nephrology were reviewed with regard to the value of electron-beam computed tomography and its contribution to the diagnostic workup. Electron-beam computed tomography is noninvasive and allows three-dimensional post-processing, enabling highly accurate images while requiring less radiation and acquisition time. It is very useful for clinical questions that require a detailed description of vascular and renal anatomy.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Aneurysm, False / complications
  • Aneurysm, False / diagnostic imaging*
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / diagnostic imaging*
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / etiology
  • Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical / adverse effects
  • Brachial Artery
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Heart Failure / etiology
  • Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Humans
  • Hydronephrosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Hydronephrosis / etiology
  • Kidney Diseases / congenital
  • Kidney Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / etiology
  • Kidney Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Kidney Neoplasms / pathology
  • Kidney Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung Neoplasms / secondary
  • Male
  • Renal Artery Obstruction / diagnostic imaging
  • Renal Veins
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*
  • Vena Cava, Inferior
  • Venous Thrombosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Wilms Tumor / diagnostic imaging
  • Wilms Tumor / secondary