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MR imaging of the normal appendix in children
M Hörmann1, S Puig, S R Prokesch
1Department of Radiology, University of Vienna-AKH, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria. marcus.hoermann@univie.ac.at
European Radiology
|August 27, 2002
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) effectively detects the normal appendix in children. T2-weighted MRI sequences show the appendix in 86% of cases, offering a valuable diagnostic tool.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Pediatric Imaging
- Gastrointestinal Imaging
Background:
- Accurate visualization of the normal appendix is crucial for diagnosing appendicitis.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers a non-ionizing radiation alternative for pediatric imaging.
- Previous studies have explored MRI's utility, but detailed characterization of the normal appendix appearance is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of MRI in detecting the normal appendix in children.
- To describe the characteristic MR imaging appearance of a normal appendix.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen healthy children (mean age 12.3 years) underwent MRI on a 1.0-T unit.
- Imaging protocol included axial and coronal T2-weighted ultra turbo spin-echo (UTSE), axial T1-weighted turbo spin-echo (TSE), and coronal short tau inversion recovery (STIR)/TSE sequences.
- Appendix detection confidence, thickness, and MR appearance were assessed; clinical follow-up confirmed absence of appendicitis.
Main Results:
- The normal appendix was visualized in 86% of cases on T2/UTSE images and 73% on T1/TSE images.
- No visualization occurred on STIR/TSE sequences.
- On T2/UTSE, the normal appendix exhibited a hyperintense center and hypointense wall; it was mostly hypointense on T1/TSE, with a mean thickness of 4.5 mm.
Conclusions:
- MRI is an accurate method for assessing the normal appendix in children.
- T2-weighted sequences are most effective for visualizing the normal appendix.
- MRI may serve as an alternative to CT when ultrasound examinations are inconclusive.