title: Computed tomography imaging in children with congenital heart disease: Indications and radiation dose optimization.
abstract: Computed tomography (CT) technology is acquiring a key role in the diagnostic process of complex cardiac congenital anomalies. Recent advances and improvements in spatial and temporal resolution and radiation dose are encouraging the use of CT scanning in children. Paediatric cardiologists should have a good knowledge of the potential of CT techniques and their limitations to plan and properly perform CT examinations without forgetting radiation concerns. In this paper, we will discuss the principal indications for CT scans in newborns and children in our clinical practice. We will also outline the most-used strategies for dose reduction. Basic knowledge about the various CT techniques is crucial, not only to perform, but also to interpret CT results, thus helping the medical and surgical management of patients.
authors.affiliation: Unité médicochirurgicale de cardiologie congénitale et pédiatrique, service de radiologie pédiatrique, centre de référence des maladies cardiaques congénitales complexes - M3C, hôpital universitaire Necker-Enfants-Malades, 149, rue de Sèvres, 75743 Paris cedex 15, France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 15, rue de l'École-de-Médecine, 75006 Paris, France. Electronic address: francesca.raimondi@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Raimondi
authors.affiliation: Imagerie cardiovasculaire, fédération des cardiopathies congénitales, CHU de Nantes, 44093 Nantes cedex 1, France.
authors.forename: Karine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Warin-Fresse
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D055424:Cardiac-Gated Imaging Techniques; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D000072226:Computed Tomography Angiography; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D000069079:Radiation Exposure; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
keywords: Cardiac congenital anomalies; Cardiopathies congénitales complexes; Computed tomography; Dose de rayonnement; Paediatrics; Pédiatrie; Radiation dose; Tomodensitométrie