Tremendous developments in the field of radiology have made available images of human anatomy never thought possible. Yet with each advance in imaging technology, practitioners must develop more expertise in selecting the precise study to best visualize the pathology in question. Indeed, in the field of pediatrics, this could not be more important as recent studies have shown that commonly used imaging modalities, such as computed tomography (CT), contribute significantly to the lifetime risk of developing cancer.

Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) affords fantastic detail and multi-planar imaging, the long scan times and need for a still patient often require sedation in younger children. Ultrasound is ideal for the typical lean body habitus of many patients. Despite these two modalities lacking the need for ionizing radiation, there are times when CT, or combined positron emission tomography (PET)/CT, is the optimal choice for imaging. Indeed, once thought to soon surrender to MRI, CT with multi-detector scanning technology now provides images that rival MRI in detail, and at a speed that makes sedation almost unnecessary in most patients.

This edition of Pediatric Annals provides seven excellent reviews of the latest imaging technologies used in children. Safety regarding the use of ionizing radiation is emphasized throughout, as well as optimal clinical applications of each modality. After reviewing this issue the participant will not only be better able to select the most appropriate study for each individual patient, but also will be a better advocate for the safe and effective application of each technique in a given age group.