Pediatric Diagnostic Radiology

Experts at the Cerebrovascular Center at Mount Sinai specialize in pediatric interventional radiology. We work closely with pediatricians, neonatalogists, radiologists, pediatric neurosurgeons, and pediatric plastic surgeons.

As with adults, our pediatric interventional radiologists do minimally invasive treatments using imaging technology. Minimally invasive procedures use small incisions and less anesthesia than with traditional open surgery, which means less pain and scarring, faster recovery, and fewer complications. Generally speaking, most interventional radiology procedures geared to adults work just as well with children and infants.

We use several types of imaging technology. Computed tomography (or CT scan) is an X-ray procedure enhanced by a computer; CT scans produce three-dimensional views. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) works with a magnetic field and radio waves to produce a highly accurate view of the inside of any portion of the body; also aided by a computer, MRI gives us cross-section images of bone and soft tissue from many angles. Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves and their echoes to produce an image of internal body structures.

• Cerebral angiography uses a catheter, X-rays, and contrast dye. This approach is particularly helpful with brain aneurysms.
• Magnetic resonance angiography can detect aneurysms before they rupture. As with a cerebral angiography, we take images of the brain after injecting dye via a catheter threaded through the groin.