Trends in Use of Advanced Imaging in Pediatric Emergency Departments, 2009-2018

Ten-year study of 26 million pediatric ED visits shows CT use declined from 3.9% to 2.9% while ultrasound increased from 2.5% to 5.8%, reflecting successful radiation risk mitigation. Despite reduced CT rates for conditions like concussion and appendicitis, substantial practice variation persists across hospitals, indicating need for standardized imaging protocols.