title: Whole-body MRI in paediatric oncology.
abstract: Imaging plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and follow-up of paediatric malignancies. Until recently, computed tomography (CT) has been the imaging technique of choice in children with cancer, but nowadays there is an increasing interest in the use of functional imaging techniques like positron emission tomography and single-photon emission tomography. These later techniques are often combined with CT allowing for simultaneous acquisition of image data on the biological behaviour of tumour, as well as the anatomical localisation and extent of tumour spread. Because of the small but not negligible risk of radiation induced secondary cancers and the significantly improved overall survival rates of children with cancer, there is an increasing interest in the use of alternative imaging techniques that do not use ionising radiation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a radiation-free imaging tool that allows for acquiring images with a high spatial resolution and excellent soft tissue contrast throughout the body. Moreover, recent technological advances have resulted in fast diagnostic sequences for whole-body MR imaging (WB-MRI), including functional techniques such as diffusion weighted imaging. In this review, the current status of the technique and major clinical applications of WB-MRI in children with cancer will be discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatric Radiology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands. R.A.J.Nievelstein@umcutrecht.nl.|Imaging Division, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands. R.A.J.Nievelstein@umcutrecht.nl.
authors.forename: Rutger A J
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Nievelstein
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatric Radiology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Annemieke S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Littooij
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D064847:Multimodal Imaging / Q000379:methods; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D016609:Neoplasms, Second Primary / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D015899:Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000009:adverse effects*; D051598:Whole Body Imaging / Q000379:methods
keywords: DWI; Imaging; MRI; Paediatric oncology; Whole-body