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MR imaging of the gastro-intestinal tract in children

Marcus Hörmann1

  • 1Medical University of Vienna/General Hospital, Department of General and Paediatric Radiology, Währingergürtel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria. marcus.hoermann@meduniwien.ac.at

European Journal of Radiology
|September 3, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a valuable tool for pediatric gastrointestinal evaluations, offering a radiation-free alternative to conventional imaging. This review highlights its established and emerging applications in children, emphasizing its potential to reduce radiation exposure.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Imaging
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used for adult inflammatory bowel disease and acute abdominal pain in pregnancy.
  • Despite its suitability for children, MRI is not yet a standard diagnostic tool in pediatric gastrointestinal evaluations.
  • The benefits of MRI in pediatric conditions like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, appendicitis, and intestinal abnormalities are documented.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current and potential applications of MRI in the pediatric gastrointestinal tract.
  • To emphasize the advantages of MRI, particularly its non-ionizing nature, for pediatric patients.
  • To discuss considerations for implementing MRI in pediatric imaging, including technical advancements and radiation dose reduction.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on MRI applications in pediatric gastrointestinal conditions.
  • Discussion of technical advancements in MRI sequences and hardware.
  • Analysis of the benefits of MRI compared to ionizing radiation techniques.

Main Results:

  • MRI has demonstrated value in diagnosing pediatric Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, appendicitis, tumors, and malformations.
  • Advancements in imaging technology are expanding the indications for pediatric MRI.
  • MRI offers a crucial alternative to reduce radiation burden in children, especially for chronic conditions requiring follow-up.

Conclusions:

  • MRI is a safe and effective imaging modality for the pediatric gastrointestinal tract.
  • Increased adoption of MRI in pediatric care can significantly decrease radiation exposure.
  • Future developments will likely broaden the use of MRI in pediatric diagnostic imaging.

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