Magnetic resonance imaging of the pediatric head and neck

Although the bulk of pediatric head and neck lesions are adequately evaluated by computed tomography (CT) alone, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides valuable additional information in those lesions that are difficult to resolve on CT, and it is almost essential for assessment of possible intracranial extension of disease. The ability of MRI to show intrinsic characteristics of mass lesions can help direct therapeutic decisions. It should be utilized early in the imaging evaluation of most vascular lesions, including juvenile nasal angiofibroma and vascular malformations, in suspected neurogenic tumors, and as an adjunct in those cases where CT does not adequately demonstrate the extent or true nature of a lesion.