Errors and Pitfalls in Emergency Pediatric Imaging

There are many areas where pediatric radiology differs substantially from adult radiology. Limited information is available about the frequency, types, and causes of diagnostic errors in imaging of children and especially in the emergency setting. Errors can be related to technical challenges, a wide spectrum of anatomical and developmental variants which may mimic disease, as well as a difference in pathological processes and diseases affecting children. In our department, we have a quality assurance committee with a process for assessment and evaluation of errors in our pediatric imaging practice. This has presented an educational opportunity for improved detection and prevention of errors. The material in this chapter is partly based on this. We will review some of the common errors that can be encountered in emergency imaging of the pediatric patient, using a regional approach.