Seeing beyond the surface: paediatric radiology’s role in healthcare -

Radiology plays one of the most essential roles in modern medicine. When it comes to children, the significance of radiology begins even before the birth of the child. Paediatric radiology forms the backbone of early, effective and accurate diagnosis – from the foetal stage all the way till adolescence.

Radiology is often referred to as the ‘eyes of medicine’. From identifying developmental issues in a foetus to diagnosing subtle brain changes in a child, radiology helps clinicians look beyond what our eyes can see. It acts as the bridge between clinical concern and an accurate diagnosis. Advancements in paediatric radiology have made it possible to detect conditions early, guide interventions precisely, and monitor treatment progress without invasive procedures.

At the prenatal stage

Comprehensive paediatric care starts right at the very beginning of life – at the foetal level. Through advanced anomaly scans and foetal MRIs, congenital abnormalities can be accurately identified, monitored and characterised way before a baby is born. Such data is extremely useful and allows for adequate management and guidance for parents, to ensure there are no complications at birth and offer a smooth transition for both the mother and the baby after delivery.

Beyond detecting congenital anomalies, prenatal imaging has also become a key tool for specialised neonatal teams to plan deliveries of babies with complex conditions. This proactive approach greatly improves outcomes and reduces emergency complications in the crucial first few hours of life.

Child-friendly environments

Imaging children is not the same as imaging adults — it requires a lot of expertise and empathy. Paediatric radiologists work closely with young patients and their families, child life specialists who help counsel the family to reduce stress and mental trauma, and anaesthesia teams to ensure that each scan is performed safely, often without the need for sedation. Techniques such as distraction therapy, visual aids, and age-appropriate communication help children remain calm, improving both comfort and image quality.

Safety first

Safety is always accorded the highest priority while conducting MRI or CT procedures. All scans are guided by theALARA principle, which stands for ‘As Low As Reasonably Achievable’. Doses of radiation are carefully and skilfully monitored, and tailored as per the child’s age and weight to ensure maximum safety while taking care not to compromise on the accuracy of the diagnosis.

This emphasis on safety is what distinguishes paediatric radiology as a sub-speciality. The focus is not just on helping to make a diagnosis, but in carrying it out in a gentle and safe way for growing bodies that are very sensitive to radiation. The field is constantly evolving with low-dose CT protocols, non-radiation imaging options such as MRIs and ultrasounds, and AI-driven tools that further enhance diagnostic precision with minimal exposure.

Advanced imaging

Radiology is an important and significant part of diagnosis and treatment planning for a range of procedures such as cardiac imaging, epilepsy, vascular and non-vascular interventions. Multiple advanced methods and techniques such as Cardiac MRIs and angiographies aid in accurate decision making especially for congenital heart conditions. Another important procedure – Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) – also helps to track white matter tracts in children who undergo surgery for epilepsy.

In recent years, paediatric interventional radiology has become a game-changer in healthcare, as higher accuracy in diagnoses enables minimally invasive procedures that once required major surgeries. Some of these procedures include draining abscesses, treating vascular malformations, and performing targeted biopsies — all under imaging guidance, allowing faster recovery and reduced hospital stays for children.

Challenges involved

Paediatric radiology is challenging. A paediatric radiologist must be able to clearly identify specific areas in the body that point to a possible disease or hint of anomaly. This can only be achieved through rigorous training and extensive experience in this field.

The role of a paediatric radiologist extends far beyond reading scans; it involves understanding the developmental anatomy of children, providing inputs that influence both diagnosis and treatment and collaborating closely with paediatricians and surgeons. As medical imaging continues to advance, radiologists are now integrating artificial intelligence and data-driven technologies to improve detection, predict disease patterns, and personalise care solutions for every patient.

Early diagnosis, better care

Radiologists are often the unseen heroes behind an accurate diagnosis. Their expertise and commitment make diagnoses of diseases easier as they help identify symptoms early, guide surgeons confidently, and help children return to health sooner. Paediatric radiology, in particular, reminds us that seeing clearly also means healing better, and that behind every scan lies hope for a healthier, disease-free tomorrow.

(Dr. Hirenkumar Panwala is senior consultant & clinical lead – paediatric radiology. hirenkumar.panwala.dr@narayanahealth.org; Dr. Sonal Garg, is consultant, maternal, foetal and paediatric radiology, Narayana Health SRCC Children’s Hospital, Mumbai. sonal.garg.dr@narayanahealth.org )