Non-Invasive Imaging Techniques In Children: Clinical Applications and Advances

Non-invasive imaging techniques are crucial for diagnosing and monitoring various conditions in children, mitigating the necessity for more invasive procedures and reducing associated pain and trauma.

The primary technologies include:

Ultrasound: Utilized for imaging soft tissues such as the abdomen, pelvis, and neck; it is an ideal method for assessing congenital abnormalities, examining the heart (echocardiography), and guiding minimally invasive procedures.

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS): fNIRS is a non-invasive imaging technique applied to measure brain activity. By detecting alterations in blood flow and oxygenation in the brain via near-infrared light, fNIRS provides insights into brain function during various tasks.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Essential for neuroimaging, musculoskeletal imaging, and body imaging. MRIs are particularly valuable due to their detailed soft tissue contrast. The development of faster sequence techniques, such as Echo Planar Imaging (EPI), significantly reduces the time required for imaging, making these techniques more suitable for children.

Photoacoustic Imaging: This technique combines the advantages of optical imaging and ultrasound to produce higher resolution images at greater depths than traditional ultrasound.

These technologies not only enhance diagnostic accuracy but also increasingly inform therapeutic decisions and prognosis evaluation in pediatric medicine, significantly improving patient outcomes and safety.

The objective of this Research Topic is to communicate significant advancements in the use of non-invasive imaging techniques in children, such as ultrasound, fNIRS, photoacoustic imaging, and MRI.

For this Research Topic, the areas of interest include, but are not limited to:
● Ultrasound;
● Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy/Diffuse Optical Tomography;
● MRI/fMRI;
● Photoacoustic/Thermoacoustic Tomography and Microscopy;
● Deep Learning and Artificial Intelligence in the aforementioned imaging;
● Translational and Clinical Applications.