Pediatric Imaging

Pediatric Imaging Procedures 

Barium/Gastrografin Enema (Lower GI Examination)

A Barium/Gastrografin Examination is an imaging study that uses X-ray (fluoroscopy) to evaluate your colon (large bowel), or lower/distal portion of your gastrointestinal tract. A small tube will be inserted into the rectum and contrast, either barium or gastrografin, will be injected. During this time, the Radiologist will use X-ray (fluoroscopy) to evaluate the colon in real time and identify where the contrast is located. Once the contrast reaches the small bowel, the contrast injection is stopped, and then drained into a bag through the same tube. An enema can be required for many reasons and is an excellent study for identifying masses/polyps, narrowings, pre-operative planning, relieving constipation, or evaluating areas of the colon not visualized on a colonoscopy. Naperville Radiologists have Board-Certified Radiologists who have extensive experience in performing and evaluating lower gastrointestinal tract (enema) studies and will be present during the procedure. If you and your physician think you are a candidate for an Enema and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.

Central Line Placement (PICC, dialysis catheter, etc.)

A central line is a small catheter/tube that goes into your vein and ends near your heart. This device can be used for multiple things such as IV medications, dialysis , blood draws, giving fluids, nutrition or instilling contrast for your imaging studies depending on the type of line your physician is requesting. The placement of the line uses ultrasound and fluoroscopy (X-ray). The ultrasound machine is used to access the vein and place the catheter while the X-ray is used to confirm the final position of the catheter. Depending on what type of line is requested by your physician, conscious sedation may be used. The estimated duration for this procedure including pre-operative check in and post-operative recovery can vary from two to four hours.  If you need to have a central line placed and have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-2849.

Esophagram

An esophagram is an imaging study that utilizes x-ray (fluoroscopy) to evaluate your esophagus. You will be asked to ingest either barium or gastrografin, which are liquids that show up on X-ray. Prior to barium ingestion, the Radiologist may ask you to swallow effervescent crystals to help expand the esophagus for better evaluation. An esophagram helps evaluate the anatomy and function of the esophagus. The esophagram is an excellent study to help assess for hernias, narrowings, masses, gastroesophageal reflux, and injuries from trauma. Naperville Radiologists have Board-Certified Radiologists who have extensive experience in performing and evaluating Esophagrams and will be present during the entirety of the procedure. If you and your physician think you are a candidate for an esophagram and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.

Intussusception Reduction

An intussusception reduction is a procedure performed under x-ray (fluoroscopy) by the Radiologist on children who have an ileocolic intussusception.  An intussusception is where a portion of the bowel telescopes into itself and can cause abdominal pain, blood and mucus in stool, lethargy, fever and diarrhea. A reduction can be performed after a small catheter is placed in the child’s rectum and either air or contrast material and in most cases reduced successfully. Naperville Radiologists have Board-Certified Radiologists who have extensive experience in performing intussusception reductions and will be present during the entirety of the procedure. This procedure is typically performed on children who are admitted in the hospital or in the Emergency Room after prior imaging has been obtained.

Musculoskeletal MRI (MRI of the Knee, Shoulder, Elbow, Hip, etc.)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the joints such as the knee, shoulder, elbow, hip, ankle, and foot is a non-invasive imaging modality to better analyze joints.  There are numerous reasons why a MRI of the joint can be required such as pain, injury, infection and to get a better evaluation of the ligaments, bones and tendons. The examination can be completed with or without the injection of intravenous contrast. Naperville Radiologists have Board-Certified Radiologists who have extensive experience in interpreting musculoskeletal MRI. If you and your physician think you are in need of a MRI and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.

Neuroradiology (MRI and CT Brain/Neck/Spine, etc)

Pediatric Neuroradiology includes the imaging of the brain, neck, and spine. Please see the Neuroradiology section for more in depth descriptions of the examinations performed.

Nuclear Medicine Meckel’s Scan

Meckel’s scan is a non-invasive imaging examination which helps identify a Meckel’s diverticulum, a small outpouching of small bowel which can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, pain, or obstruction. A small amount of radiotracer is injected intravenously and then the patient is scanned under a specialized camera to obtain images.  Naperville Radiologists have Board-Certified Radiologists who have extensive experience interpreting Meckel’s scans. If you and your physician think you are a candidate for a Meckel’s scan and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.

Nuclear Medicine Renal Scans

A Nuclear Medicine Renal scan is a non-invasive imaging modality that is used to evaluate the function of the kidney. It can also evaluate if the amount of blood flow to the kidney is normal or whether the kidney is obstructed. A small amount of radiotracer is injected intravenously and then the patient is scanned under a specialized camera to obtain images. Naperville Radiologists have Board-Certified Radiologists who have extensive experience interpreting renal scans. If you and your physician think you are a candidate for a Renal Scan and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.

Ultrasound Abdomen or Pelvis (including Liver, Spleen, Kidneys, Gallbladder, Bladder, Uterus, etc.)

An ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging modality to view your organs, lymph nodes, and vessels to name a few. There are numerous reasons why an ultrasound can be required including pain, evaluating a specific organ, or looking cysts or masses to name a few.  The benefit of ultrasound over CT is the lack of radiation.  Naperville Radiologists have Board-Certified Radiologists who have extensive experience in interpreting ultrasounds. If you and your physician think you are in need of this examination and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.

Ultrasound of the Appendix

An ultrasound of the appendix is a non-invasive imaging modality used to evaluate abdominal pain if there is a suspicion for acute appendicitis. In addition to evaluating the appendix, images of the right lower quadrant of the abdomen are taken to evaluate for enlarged lymph nodes, fluid collections, or bowel abnormalities. The benefit of ultrasound over CT is the lack of radiation.  Naperville Radiologists have Board-Certified Radiologists who have extensive experience in interpreting ultrasounds of the appendix. If you and your physician think you are in need of an ultrasound of the abdomen and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.

Ultrasound Neonatal Head

An ultrasound of the head is a non-invasive imaging modality used to evaluate the brain of a newborn. There are various reasons to obtain the ultrasound including if there is a suspicion of bleeding, dilated ventricles within the brain, evaluate normal brain anatomy to name a few. The benefit of ultrasound over CT is the lack of radiation.  Naperville Radiologists have Board-Certified Radiologists who have extensive experience in interpreting neonatal head ultrasounds. If you and your physician think you are in need of an ultrasound of the abdomen and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.

Ultrasound of the Pylorus

An ultrasound of the pylorus is a non-invasive imaging modality used to evaluate the pylorus (distal stomach) for stenosis. Recurrent non-bilious vomiting in an infant is one clinical sign for possible pyloric stenosis. The benefit of ultrasound over CT is the lack of radiation.  Naperville Radiologists have Board-Certified Radiologists who have extensive experience in interpreting pyloric ultrasounds. If you and your physician think you are in need of this examination and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.

Upper Gastrointestinal (Upper GI) Examination

An Upper GI Examination is an imaging study that utilizes x-ray (fluoroscopy) to evaluate the upper portion of your gastrointestinal tract. You will be asked to ingest either barium or gastrografin, which are liquids that show up on x-ray. Prior to barium ingestion, the Radiologist may ask you to swallow effervescent crystals to help expand the esophagus and stomach for better evaluation. An upper GI examination helps evaluate the anatomy and function of the esophagus, stomach, and proximal small bowel. This examination is an excellent study to help assess the anatomy as well as for hernias, narrowings, masses, gastroesophageal reflux, injuries from trauma, or even prominent ulcers. Naperville Radiologists have Board-Certified Radiologists who have extensive experience in performing and evaluating upper gastrointestinal tract studies and will be present during the entirety of the procedure. If you and your physician think you are a candidate for an Upper GI Examination and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.

Video Fluoroscopic Swallowing Examination

A video swallow examination is an imaging study that utilizes x-ray to evaluate your ability to swallow different consistencies safely. Both the speech pathologist and Radiologist are present in the room and observe as you ingest the different consistencies such as thin liquid, nectar thick liquid, pudding consistencies, and cracker consistencies. You will be evaluated for appropriate swallow mechanism, whether aspiration occurs, or if there is any blockage to name a few. Naperville Radiologists have Board-Certified Radiologists who have extensive experience in evaluating Video Fluoroscopic Swallowing examinations. If you and your physician think you are a candidate for a Video Swallow Examination and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.

Voiding Cystourethrogram

A voiding cystourethrogram is an examination that utilizes x-ray (fluoroscopy) to evaluate the bladder and urethra and whether any reflux into the ureters is present. A small catheter is placed in the bladder and contrast is injected. Images are taken during the process. Once the bladder is distended, the patient will be asked to urinate in order to obtain images of the urethra. This procedure can be performed on adults and children for reasons such as incontinence, frequent urinary tract infections, or recent trauma and can assess for bladder abnormalities such as masses, bladder leaks, vesicoureteral reflux, and incomplete emptying of the bladder. Naperville Radiologists have Board-Certified Radiologists who have extensive experience in performing and evaluating voiding cystourethrogram studies. If you and your physician think you are a candidate for a voiding cystourethrogram and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.