DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sasjm.2025.v11i10.019

Pages: 1043-1055

Radiology is central to pediatric emergency medicine, facilitating rapid diagnoses as well as providing therapeutic direction and enhancing survival in acutely ill/injured children. This article summarizes literature between January 2024 and June 2025 to discuss innovations, safety aspects and clinical usefulness of imaging techniques in paediatric emergency. A systematic review was performed through searching PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and ScienceDirect using the mesh terms pediatric emergency medicine, radiology, computed tomography (CT), ultrasound and artificial intelligence. Thirty-two peer-reviewed articles were retained for detailed assessment. Studies show that CT is still necessary in life-threatening conditions although concerns for ionizing radiation led to focus on non-ionizing (ultrasonography and MRI). Evidence based imaging referral guidelines and decision-support systems have decreased inappropriate CT utilization without compromising accuracy. Image interpretation, documentation efficiency and triage accuracy are being enhanced through artificial intelligence (AI) as well as automation. Despite advancements, global gaps in access to imaging, pediatric training and AI standardization remain. In summary, radiology remains the diagnostic foundation of pediatric emergency medicine. Combining machine learning risk stratification, pocket ultrasound and value-based imaging models could deliver safer, quicker and fairer paediatric emergency care for children everywhere.