Pediatric Radiology

Amazing Children's Spect/CT Scanner at UCSF

The colorful, creative environment of the Spect/CT scanner at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital makes children feel at ease. The audio and visual stimulation provides a unique pediatric experience that even has some kids asking if they can come back and do it again! Because children feel calm and comfortable, anesthesia does not have to be used as often. Moreover, the technologist is able to focus, making the process safer and more efficient. Jeffrey Geiger gave us tour of the incredible camping-themed room.

Imaging Gently: Overcoming Children’s Fears in Radiology

Many of the technologies used to help diagnose problems are large, noisy and scary to children. See what to expect in a visit to radiology and how great medical interactions leads to trust and better, clearer images. Dr. Jesse Courtier is in the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging at UCSF and Jonathan Iris-Wilbanks is a Child Life Specialist at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. Recorded on 10/27/2015. Series: "UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Medicine presents Mini Medical School for the Public".

How does UCSF treat juvenile idiopathic arthritis?

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the most common type of arthritis in children under the age of 17. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis causes persistent joint pain, swelling and stiffness.

Here at UCSF, we are using precision image guide therapy to target juvenile idiopathic arthritis. We can accurately treat very small joints

Getting Children Ready For an MRI

In order to get a MRI, the child must lay down and relax. To children it looks like a big tunnel, and it is extremely important that they lie very still. The more still they are the clearer the pictures will be. A simple technique we use is that we can tell the child to pretend to be frozen, or to be a rock so the pictures turn out clearer. It is definitely recommended that the child uses the bathroom before going to the MRI.  For children, it might be loud so they can be given headphones to block out noise. Also, at UCSF they can watch a movie or listen to music while getting an MRI.