Neuroradiology

Who we are

Neuroradiology at Boston Children's Hospital works closely with pediatric subspecialists in a wide variety of disciplines to provide the highest quality clinical imaging, a service which occupies a central role in the diagnosis and management of patients with congenital, acquired and developmental conditions that involve the central nervous system (brain and spine) and head and neck. Our pediatric neuroradiologists utilize a range of imaging technologies - including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diagnostic cerebral angiography - to visualize the central nervous system and head and neck in fetuses, babies and children.

Based on the clinical expertise of our neuroradiologists, neuroimaging can be used to detect, diagnose and monitor a wide range of conditions, including identifying possible causes of epileptic seizures, measuring a tumor’s response to treatment and assessing aneurysms. Neurointerventional radiologists at Children’s Hospital Boston perform image-guided endovascular treatments for vascular disorders of the brain, head and neck, and spine that would otherwise require surgery.

Our expertise

Our pediatric neuroradiologists are experts in the developmental and maturational changes of the fetus, newborn infant and child. Imaging tests are tailored to provide the critical information required to diagnose and monitor conditions that affect the growing and developing babies and children of all ages. The imaging protocols minimize radiation when using CT or fluoroscopic equipment. MR exams are designed to be as brief as possible in order to maximize the chance of a cooperative child being able to undergo the exam without monitored anesthesia care. Our techniques include the use of video goggles and motion reduction sequences. Our interventional neuroradiologists are among a handful of subspecialists in North America who routinely image and treat aneurysms and arteriovenous vascular malformations of the brain and spine in children.

Each of our clinicians has a specialized area of expertise within the field of pediatric neuroradiology, and provides consultations for challenging cases within their subspecialty. In addition to their specialized clinical focus, our neuroradiologists are involved in research within their respective areas that is changing the way neuroradiology procedures are performed and interpreted across the nation.

We are home to the national Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium’s Neuroimaging Center, which analyzes images and data from 11 research centers nationwide in an effort to further understand and develop effective treatments for children with brain tumors.