Radiology

Pediatric Radiology diagnoses illness using a variety of imaging methods and technologies. CHAM is equipped with state of the art diagnostic equipment with the most up to date ability to identify abnormalities. This includes a new MRI, 4 CT scanners and 3 new ultrasounds. Our diagnostic imaging tools include:

• Ultrasound
• CT scans
• MRI scans
• Upper GI Series
• Barium Enema
• Diagnostic Angiography
• Interventional Radiology
• Neuroradiology, both diagnostic and interventional
• X-rays

Special attention is given to pediatric patients. All the examinations are performed and interpreted by one of three experienced pediatric radiologists. The radiologists are Board Certified and have a Certificate of Added Qualification in Pediatric Radiology. They work exclusively with pediatric patients and therefore have a better understanding of pediatric diseases.

The department also has 3 experienced x-ray technologists who work only with pediatric patients and understand their needs. There is a separate pediatric waiting area and a dedicated pediatric sonogram machine.

CinemaVision is available at The Children's Hospital at Montefiore.
This new state-of-the-art virtual entertainment system offered by The Children's Hospital at Montefiore, allows patients to watch their favorite movies while having an MRI. Find out how CinemaVision may be an alternative to sedation, click here.

Sedation
For CT and MRI examinations, sedation may be required for children up to 10 years of age. This must be done to ensure the child is not moving during the exam and may cause the images to become blurry. All sedation is supervised by the Department of Anesthesia by physicians trained in pediatric anesthesia. The children are monitored closely using state of the art equipment. Anesthesia is performed on Monday and Thursday for MRI and on Friday for CT. Before the study the parents may be given special instructions about withholding feeding so the child does not vomit during the examination.

Contrast Injection
CT and MRI may require the use of intravenous (in the veins) contrast. This is required so the study is of better diagnostic quality and any problems will "light up" on the images and be easier so see. The Children's Hospital at Montefiore uses only non-ionic contrast for contrast injections. Although more expensive this is considered safer and has a very low incidence of contrast reaction.

Fluoroscopy Studies
Your child may not be able to eat for a certain period of time before an upper GI or VCUG examination. This is so the child is "hungry" for the contrast material given and does not have a full stomach, which may cause the child to vomit during the examination.

Mary Anne Gallagher, RN, C MA