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Pediatric Radiology in Resource-Limited Settings

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Evidence-Based Imaging in Pediatrics

Part of the book series: Evidence-Based Imaging ((Evidence-Based Imag.))

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Abstract

Pediatric radiology in resource-limited countries faces significant challenges regarding the availability and accessibility of diagnostic imaging technologies and specialized professional training. However, it is possible to adapt and make the most of existing resources by employing innovative technologies and techniques.

Ultrasound is a valuable tool in these settings, as it is affordable, portable, noninvasive, and can be applied in multiple clinical situations. The use of ultrasound in the evaluation of pediatric diseases has increased in recent years, and it has proven effective in diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as pneumonia, congenital heart diseases, and abdominal trauma, among others.

Computed tomography (CT) can also be an effective alternative in resource-limited countries, especially when magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is not available. Although MRI is preferable in certain cases, CT can be useful in diagnosing diseases like Dandy Walker complex, retinoblastoma, and in evaluating patients with seizure disorders, among others.

The adoption of innovative digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and telemedicine can enhance the quality and availability of pediatric radiology worldwide. Telemedicine can provide radiology services to rural areas and improve patient care by enabling radiologists to work remotely. Additionally, AI can improve medical imaging diagnosis by offering computer-aided detection and classification tools, as well as the prioritization of emergency cases.

To ensure the successful adoption of AI in resource-limited countries, a holistic approach that includes clinical radiology education, infrastructure implementation, and phased AI introduction is necessary. This can strengthen the capacity of local radiologists to use AI safely and effectively, and improve the quality of healthcare for pediatric patients.

In summary, pediatric radiology in resource-limited countries can benefit significantly from the adaptive and innovative use of diagnostic imaging technologies and the implementation of telemedicine and artificial intelligence strategies. This can enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare in these regions, allowing for more efficient diagnosis and treatment for pediatric patients.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pediatric Radiology, Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño San Borja, Lima, Peru

    Carlos F Ugas-Charcape

  2. Dr J Naidoo Inc, Johannesburg, South Africa

    Kushaljit Singh Sodhi

  3. Envisionit Deep AI LTD, Cobham, United Kingdom

    Jaishree Naidoo

  4. Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Saint Louis, MO, United States

    Kushaljit Singh Sodhi

  5. Department of Radiodiagnosis, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India

    Kushaljit Singh Sodhi

Authors
  1. Carlos F Ugas-Charcape
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  2. Jaishree Naidoo
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  3. Kushaljit Singh Sodhi
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, 3NW, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Hansel J. Otero

  2. Department of Radiology, 3NW, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Summer L. Kaplan

  3. Dept Of Radiology, MCH Radiology, Miami Children's Hospital, Miami, FL, USA

    L Santiago Medina

  4. Dept of Radiology, Virginal Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA

    C. Craig Blackmore

  5. Zionsville, IN, USA

    Kimberly E Applegate

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Ugas-Charcape, C.F., Naidoo, J., Sodhi, K.S. (2022). Pediatric Radiology in Resource-Limited Settings. In: Otero, H.J., Kaplan, S.L., Medina, L.S., Blackmore, C.C., Applegate, K.E. (eds) Evidence-Based Imaging in Pediatrics. Evidence-Based Imaging. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-38095-3_44-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-38095-3_44-1

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