Pediatric Radiology

When it comes to imaging children, being small is a really big deal. That’s why we have a dedicated center for our pediatric radiology services.

Our subspecialty trained pediatric radiologists understand the important role that high-quality imaging and image-guided treatment plays in the health and age-appropriate care of our youngest patients.

Subspecialty Pediatric Radiologists

Our pediatric radiologists are devoted to imaging children. They are fellowship trained and have earned a certificate of added qualification (CAQ) in pediatric radiology in addition to being board certified by the American Board of Radiologists (ABR). Having also worked at busy tertiary hospitals, Wake Radiology physicians have the level of clinical experience that can only be gained at high-volume centers. They have also published and presented at numerous national meetings due to their involvement in important pediatric radiology research.

Kind and Compassionate Care

We provide each child with the quality care and personal attention we expect for our own families. Our goal is to reduce anxiety and help patients and their families feel reassured while collaborating with their clinicians to find the answers they need. Our approach is hands-on, straightforward and caring. 

Experience With Imaging Children

While some diseases seen in children are the same as in adults, many conditions are seen only in certain pediatric age groups. The dynamics are different in a growing body, from pre-term infants to developing adolescents. Our pediatric radiologists have  specific experience with these normal variants and the developmental anatomy – more than general radiologists do. This training allows them to more confidently identify normal findings that prevent unnecessary follow-up imaging or intervention. Their expertise in pathology that is unique to children leads to more accurate diagnosis and classification. They also understand the benefits of each modality that is unique to children, including the obvious and not-so-obvious benefits of ultrasound for those under 18.

Radiation Exposure Is Minimized

Children are two to 10 times more sensitive to radiation than adults. Our pediatric radiologists are committed to low-dose imaging. That means they clarify clinical questions using the least amount of exposure possible. They employ safe imaging techniques and protocols, including reducing the amount of radiation used and scanning only the area that needs to be diagnosed or treated. They strive to use ultrasounds (no radiation) instead of CT (which uses ionizing radiation) when clinically relevant. Learn more about our low dose commitment.

Ultrasound works particularly well in children because they have less soft tissue than adults (which makes it easier for the sound waves to penetrate), they can move around without compromising the image, and the ultrasound probe can be targeted directly to the site of pain or the palpable finding, increasing sensitivity. The result is pediatric-specific medical imaging that protects children from excess radiation exposure.

In an increasing number of cases, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is the right choice for imaging a young patient, and the modality uses no ionizing radiation. MRI is particularly useful as an alternative to CT in following chronic conditions for which the frequency of imaging would otherwise quickly lead to a large cumulative radiation dose. 

Collaboration With Radiology Experts

Wake Radiology UNC REX is the area’s largest outpatient imaging provider. Our pediatric radiologists are part of a much larger group of subspecialists and can lead a team approach for complex neurologic, orthopedic or interventional/vascular issues. For example, if a teenager has had a concussion, our neuroradiologists will also interpret the CT or MRI images ensure a comprehensive interpretation and actionable report. That collaboration is extended across all modalities.

Dedicated Pediatric Imaging Center

Our Pediatric Imaging Center is located in our West Raleigh office off of Lake Boone Trail and across from UNC REX Health. A pediatric radiologist is onsite every day at that location. View our hours and address.

Continuing Care at UNC REX Hospital

In addition to interpreting imaging studies from our outpatient offices, our pediatric radiologists are also on staff at UNC REX Healthcare. This creates imaging continuity that improves care provided by the area’s pediatric community.