Bibliogr. s. 79-80

The implementation of computed tomography (CT) scanners to most of pediatric trauma centers resulted in an increasing number of performed examinations. There exist numerous situations in which raw pictures must be assessed immediately after acquisition and when detailed radiological interpretation is not available: emergency departments, surgical planning, follow-up controls for ambulatory patients. On the other hand, there exist important difficulties with pediatric patients not only as for their head dimensions, but also lesser compliance and sensibility for radiation. Therefore, the proper head positioning plays an important role in order to obtain accurate, reliable data. The article is an analysis of a problem of improper patient positioning and describes difficulties with interpretation of misplaced examinations. A series of cases discussed in the article presents the role of precision in performing CT scans in pediatric patients. Ignorance and negligence in this field may result in unnecessary additional procedures, excessive radiation or dangerous misinterpretations.