Magnetic resonance imaging of the musculoskeletal system in children.
Pediatric applications of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) differ from those in adults primarily with respect to the focus on congenital and developmental abnormalities and those pathologic conditions that are unique to children. Sedation is often required for younger children to avoid motion. Quality diagnostic images also require the use of appropriate sizes of surface and planar coils. MRI is an excellent method to evaluate bone marrow involvement and soft-tissue extension of osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma. In children, it is important to be aware of the changes in normal bone marrow signal that occur with maturation and with the normal progression of the replacement of red marrow by yellow marrow. Aplastic and hypercellular anemias have differing MRI features. The high-contrast resolution of the soft tissues, including the spinal cord, and the capability for direct imaging in any plane make MRI an excellent modality for the evaluation of the spine, including congenital malformations.
Hall
T R
TR
Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California, School of Medicine, Los Angeles 90024.
Kangarloo
H
H
D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000473:pathology; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D041641:Musculoskeletal Development; D009141:Musculoskeletal System / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology*; D012016:Reference Values; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis