[Magnetic tomography--new imaging techniques and future perspectives]

MRI is a promising imaging technique for diseases in most organ systems in children.

This review discusses MRI on the basis of the literature and our own experience.

The value of MRI in paediatric neuroradiology is firmly established. In congenital heart defects and other reasons for cardiovascular imaging in children, the non-invasiveness of the method is appealing. MRI is already included in most international paediatric oncology protocols. Paediatric applications for MRI differ from those in adults as they focus on developmental and congenital abnormalities. Furthermore, some pathological conditions are unique to children. MRI is also a promising alternative to established methods for evaluation of the urinary tract. There are some specific problems with MRI in children. Immobilisation and sedation techniques include tight wrapping of the newborn with soft elastic bands, feeding immediately prior to the study, and allowing one parent into the magnet with the child. Midazolam and oral chloral hydrate are usually used for sedation.

MRI is of particular value in the paediatric age group as the method is capable of highly accurate imaging in a variety of congenital and paediatric diseases without the use of ionising radiation. Faster sequences and better resolution will further increase the use of MRI in children.