Since the earliest years of radiology, thoracic imaging has been an invaluable tool for the noninvasive examination of intrathoracic disorders in infants and children. Today, chest radiography remains the most commonly performed radiologic study. However, there have been tremendous technologic advances in thoracic imaging options during the last 25 years, the most familiar of these being CT and MR imaging. Moreover, even newer technologies, including digital radiography, helical CT, positron emission tomography (PET), and other functional and physiologic methods of imaging, are in use or on the horizon. These newer technologies, together with remarkable advances in computer capabilities, offer or promise improved morphologic and functional examinations of the chest [1].
Although there is a large amount of information available about chest imaging technology in adults, comprehensive information is limited in the pediatric population [2]. Because of the unique applications and challenges of contemporary pediatric thoracic imaging, this article discusses state-of-the-art chest imaging techniques and applications in neonates, infants, and children. These techniques include conventional screen-film and digital radiography, helical (including CT fluoroscopy) and ultrafast CT, sonography, PET, and MR imaging.