CT Scan for Children in Kyiv

Computed tomography (CT) is an X-ray scanning method that provides a layer-by-layer examination of the human body in different directions, using an X-ray beam that passes through thin layers of tissue. This diagnostic method can assess the condition of any organ, as well as its size, position, shape, surface condition, function, and density. The most common reason pediatricians order CT is to examine skull injuries.

A CT scan for children in Kyiv at CSM Clinic, a multidisciplinary clinic (at the facilities of our partners, TOP CLINIC DENIS), is performed on a modern 64-slice, low-dose Philips Brilliance CT 64 scanner. In addition, because ours is a full-cycle clinic, the child's representatives can get a follow-up consultation with a specialist who explains the diagnostic report in full and prescribes treatment.

When a CT Scan Is Performed for Children

A child can be scheduled for a CT scan only for strict indications and on a doctor's order. CT is a radiation-based method in which the child is exposed to ionizing radiation, to which a child's body is highly sensitive. Therefore, when ordering the study, the doctor carefully weighs the benefit against the possible risks.

A CT scan is ordered when:

• other types of diagnostics (ultrasound, MRI, X-ray) cannot provide the information needed to establish or clarify a diagnosis;
• complex pathological processes need to be diagnosed (developmental anomalies, tumors, complex injuries);
• the effectiveness of treatment given by conservative or surgical methods needs to be monitored, and other diagnostics that are safer for the child (ultrasound, MRI, and X-ray) do not show the full picture.

Contraindications to CT in Children

A CT scan is performed with caution in children who have relative contraindications such as:

• allergic reaction to iodine (CT with contrast is not performed);
• age under 14 (the study is allowed only when the risks are justified and no other, safer methods can provide information about the child's health);
• age under 6-7 years (the procedure is performed only with medical sleep, since it is hard to explain to younger children the importance of staying completely still);
• serious condition.

The final decision on whether a CT scan can be performed is made by the doctor. If the clinical picture is unclear, the doctor may first refer the child for a consultation with related specialists.

Where possible, CT for children is replaced with MRI, which does not use X-ray radiation (the method is based on magnetic resonance).

How to Prepare a Child for a CT Scan

Preparing a child for CT includes:

• limiting food and fluids for 3-4 hours before the study (to avoid vomiting or when anesthesia is used);
• adjusting the diet to reduce gas formation - excluding legumes, raw vegetables and fruit, dairy and fermented milk products, and carbonated drinks, including mineral water (if an abdominal or pelvic scan is planned);
• psychological preparation of the child for being inside an enclosed capsule (explain that the procedure is painless and that mom will be nearby; you can also describe how the procedure works, show a video, and be sure to warn the child not to move during the procedure);
• making sure the child can breathe freely through the nose (if the child has nasal congestion, use vasoconstrictor drops as advised by the doctor);
• allergy testing (if CT with contrast is needed);
• additional tests (before contrast is given, urea and creatinine tests may be ordered to assess kidney function) and additional examinations (most often an ECG);
• making sure the child is comfortable during the procedure (be sure the child wears comfortable, loose clothing with no metal elements; jewelry, hairpins, removable braces, hearing aids, and similar items must also be removed).

When a child is referred for a CT scan to our partners at TOP CLINIC DENIS, you will receive detailed individual preparation recommendations from a CSM Clinic doctor.

How a CT Scan Is Done in Children

The specifics of the procedure depend on the child's age.

Babies under 1 year are swaddled snugly for the procedure, and an older child is covered with a thin blanket so that they feel warm and safe. The doctor performing the scan helps position and secure the child correctly and sets up the light beam, after which anesthesia is given (if the study is done under medication-induced sleep).

For children under 6-7 years, who still find it hard to understand that they must stay still for several minutes, the scan is performed under inhalation anesthesia using a low concentration of the drug. This type of anesthesia allows the child to breathe independently; there is no need to connect the child to a ventilator.

After preparation, the couch slowly moves into the scanner's capsule, where the required area is scanned.

The whole procedure takes no more than 30 minutes, of which the scan itself is 3-5 minutes.

Equipment Used

For CT scans for children in Kyiv, TOP CLINIC DENIS uses a Philips Brilliance CT 64 scanner (USA and Israel), which collects data from 64 slices at once (0.67 mm thickness, coverage up to 40 mm). It is a low-dose CT scanner based on the ultra-fast CIRS G4VS image reconstruction technology, which is designed to shorten scan time and reduce the radiation dose while maintaining image accuracy and quality.

What a CT Scan Shows in Children

As a rule, CT in pediatric diagnostics is used to assess pathological conditions of the brain (birth and later injuries, including skull fractures or cracks along the cranial sutures, and hemorrhages), the abdominal cavity, and the chest.

The results of a child's CT scan are reviewed by a radiologist. The radiologist analyzes the information on the scans, compares it with the available medical records, and writes a description and conclusion. This process takes at least 3-5 hours (the more complex the case, the more time the doctor needs to give a final conclusion).

After the examination, the patient's parents (or other representatives) receive a film with the scans, which is useful for tracking how the condition changes over time, and a report with recommendations for next steps.

Advantages of CT for Children at the Clinic

1. CSM Clinic in Kyiv is a multidisciplinary, full-cycle medical facility, where a child's health is not only assessed but appropriate treatment is also prescribed.
2. The study is performed on a low-dose scanner - the 64-slice Philips Brilliance CT 64.
3. Anesthesia carried out with safety in mind.
4. The procedure is conducted with care for the young patient's emotional well-being.
5. The child's representatives receive a disc with the scans and an expert report prepared according to international standards.
6. Pricing information is available from the clinic.

Need a CT scan for your child in Kyiv? You can have the examination and receive a detailed report at: 5 Kompozytora Meitusa St. To book a diagnostic appointment, contact the CSM Clinic contact center by phone or leave a request on the website. Entrust your child's health to experienced professionals.