Child-size the imaging radiation dose (where necessary and/or possible)

"Children with congenital and acquired heart disease often require many medical imaging procedures, most of which involve radiation exposure. This exposure poses risks to the patient, including an increased lifetime risk of cancer. Cardiologists and radiologists should consider the risks and benefits of imaging procedures, the patient's previous radiation exposure, and the family's wishes when deciding on different imaging modalities," said Aimee Armstrong, MD, FACC, who leads the American College of Cardiology's radiation safety initiative within the National Cardiovascular Data Registry IMPACT Registry.

"Experts from many specialties — pediatric and adult cardiologists, radiologists, physicists, imaging technicians and nurses — have come together to help maximize the benefits of cardiac imaging and minimize any risks. Children with heart disease often depend on these procedures, and it's our collective responsibility to perform them safely and effectively," said Kevin Hill, MD, co-chair of the Image Gently Have-A-Heart Campaign Committee.
Parents — Be your child's advocate: Ask these questions if your child is prescribed a cardiac imaging exam.

How will this exam improve my child's care?
What are the benefits of having this test?
Are there any risks of having this scan?
What will my child's experience be before and after the exam?
Are there alternative tests that don't use radiation?
Will the radiation dose in this exam be "child-sized"?

"Medical imaging is a wonder of modern medicine. These procedures help doctors quickly diagnose and treat cardiac conditions every day, but not all situations require imaging. The Image Gently tools help doctors and patients communicate to arrive at the best course of action for a child's condition and promote more patient-centered care," said Christopher Snyder, MD, FAAP, chair of the AAP Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery Section.

"Cardiac imaging and interventional procedures play a critical, lifesaving role for children with heart disease. This campaign, developed by a broad range of experts in children's cardiac care, aims to provide doctors, families and patients with knowledge, tools and awareness to ensure that these procedures are performed in a way that optimizes the benefits of these exams and minimizes any associated risks," said Andrew Einstein, MD, PhD, co-chair of the Image Gently Have-A-Heart Campaign Committee.

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