Frequency of paediatric medical imaging examinations performed at a European teaching hospital over a 7-year period

Jonathan L. Portelli, Jonathan P. McNulty, Paul Bezzina, Louise Rainford

The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to gain an insight into frequencies by which a range of medical imaging (MI) examinations were performed on paediatric patients at the main acute general teaching hospital in Malta between 2008 and 2014. Frequency data of MI examinations performed on paediatric patients were retrospectively collected from relevant information systems. All data was coded accordingly to facilitate data analysis. A total of 95,805 MI examinations were performed on 39,707 unique paediatric patients (<18 years) between 2008 and 2014. Overall, the total number of paediatric MI examinations performed decreased over time, with use varying depending on modality type and paediatric age. Coincidentally the use of ultrasound and MRI increased year after year. Some paediatric patients underwent at least three MI examinations involving the same anatomical region being scanned, and which may collectively contribute to effective doses exceeding 10 mSv. Knowledge of how MI examinations are used within the paediatric population can help practices evaluate and address any trends highlighted for particular examinations or age category of paediatric patients. Furthermore, awareness of current trends of MI in children can be helpful for the planning of future paediatric radiology departments. • Medical imaging (MI) examinations are commonly performed in paediatric patients. • In 7 years 95,805 examinations were performed on 39,707 paediatric patients. • Use of ultrasound and MRI in paediatric patients increased annually. • Highest frequency of MI examinations was observed in neonates/infants younger than 1 year. • Awareness of MI utilisation patterns and trends can help inform practice.