Introduction

The Department of Radiology offers a wide range of imaging and interventional radiology services for paediatric patients. Our team is comprised of various healthcare professionals including radiologists, radiographers, nurses and medical physicist. We are equipped with advanced imaging technologies, while our environment and equipment are specially designed to cater for the needs of babies, children and adolescents. We were recognized with the 2021 Hospital Authority Merit Team Award for our children-centred imaging service.

Scope of Services

Digital radiography

Digital radiography system makes use of X-rays and detectors to perform plain radiography, such as chest radiograph. The final images can be produced within a few seconds and then transmitted in digital format for storage and reporting.

Ultrasonography

Ultrasonography (US) relies on high-frequency sound waves from a small device called a transducer which will be put on the body for scanning. It has a wide range of applications from infant brain and abdomen to superficial and small body parts such as thyroid and joints. It can also be used as guidance during fine needle aspiration or biopsy and drainage procedures.

Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopic examinations use pulsatile X-rays to generate real-time images. Contrast agent may be used to demonstrate the functional and physiological status of the organ. Common fluoroscopic examinations include upper and lower gastrointestinal studies, videofluoroscopic swallowing study and micturating cysto-urethrogram.

Digital subtraction angiography and interventional radiology

Digital subtraction angiography can produce images of the blood vessels through injection of contrast agent and digital subtraction of the background structures. Interventional procedures include aspiration and drainage, endovascular procedures and vascular access such as placement of peripherally inserted central catheter line.

Computed tomography

Computed tomography (CT) utilises radiation to provide fast cross-sectional imaging of the body. These images can be processed to provide 3-dimensional body structures to facilitate diagnosis and treatment planning. Contrast enhanced CT examinations can also be used to provide morphological structure of blood vessels and highlight the underlining pathology of the body.

The CT scanner is a large machine with a hole in the centre that mimics a large “doughnut”. The child will lie on the scanner table that traverses through the doughnut while the images are being taken. CT scans are fast and only take about a few seconds. Cooperation is necessary during scanning to produce motion-free images for diagnosis. When contrast is required, the child has to be fasted and an intravenous catheter access may need to be placed for the injection of contrast medium.

Magnetic resonance imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a radiation free cross-sectional imaging modality. It utilises a strong magnetic field and electromagnetic waves to obtain signals from the protons of water molecules in the body. Together with advanced computer technology, intricate images are produced for medical diagnosis. Due to the high magnetic field of the magnet, every child has to be screened for MRI safety before proceeding to examination.

An MRI machine is a small tunnel with the exam table moving through the opening of the tunnel to position the child for optimal scanning. Because of the inherent noise produced by the scanner during the examination, hearing protection must be worn in the MRI room. Due to the relatively long examination time for MRI imaging, children who cannot keep still during the examination may require sedation or anaesthesia. MRI contrast may be required and an intravenous catheter access may need to be placed for the injection of contrast medium.

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), also called bone densitometry, uses a very low dose of ionising radiation to measure bone loss. It is a simple, quick and most standard method to diagnose osteoporosis and assess the risk of developing osteoporotic fractures.

EOS imaging

EOS is a low radiation X-ray system. It is particularly beneficial for children who require repeated X-ray exams and have conditions such as scoliosis, kyphosis, limb length discrepancy, hip dysplasia, bowleg and knock knee. It is capable of capturing both frontal and lateral views of the child simultaneously in several seconds, enabling the production of 1:1 full-body image in a single scan, which eliminates blurry images caused by movement and errors in stitching images together.

Nuclear medicine

Nuclear medicine service is currently supported by the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.