Whole-Body MRI in Children: Current Imaging Techniques and Clinical Applications.
Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly used in children to evaluate the extent and distribution of various neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases. Not using ionizing radiation is a major advantage of pediatric whole-body MRI. Coronal and sagittal short tau inversion recovery imaging is most commonly used as the fundamental whole-body MRI protocol. Diffusion-weighted imaging and Dixon-based imaging, which has been recently incorporated into whole-body MRI, are promising pulse sequences, particularly for pediatric oncology. Other pulse sequences may be added to increase diagnostic capability of whole-body MRI. Of importance, the overall whole-body MRI examination time should be less than 30-60 minutes in children, regardless of the imaging protocol. Established and potentially useful clinical applications of pediatric whole-body MRI are described.
Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea.
Hyun Woo
HW
Goo
D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D007938:Leukemia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011839:Radiation, Ionizing; D011859:Radiography; D051598:Whole Body Imaging
Infants and children; Systemic disease; Tumor; Whole-body MRI