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State of the Art Cranial Ultrasound Imaging in Neonates
10:02

State of the Art Cranial Ultrasound Imaging in Neonates

Published on: February 2, 2015

MRI of the neonatal and paediatric spine and spinal canal

Erich Sorantin1, Tanja Robl, Franz Lindbichler

  • 1Section of Paediatric Radiology, Department of Radiology, Medical University Graz, Austria. erich.sorantin@meduni-graz.at

European Journal of Radiology
|September 3, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric spinal imaging prioritizes less invasive methods like ultrasound in infants. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the preferred choice for assessing spinal conditions in older children, covering congenital and acquired diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Radiology
  • Neuroradiology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Children are a vulnerable patient group requiring careful consideration in medical imaging.
  • Spinal imaging modalities include ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
  • Early imaging assessment should prioritize less invasive procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques for pediatric spinal assessment.
  • To present common MRI findings of congenital and acquired spinal diseases in children.
  • To provide general imaging details and a brief embryological overview of the spine.

Main Methods:

  • Ultrasound as the first-line imaging procedure for neonates and infants.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as the modality of choice for older children.
  • Review of MRI findings for typical pediatric spinal conditions.

Main Results:

  • Ultrasound is suitable for infants due to cartilaginous bone structures.
  • MRI is effective for diagnosing a wide range of pediatric spinal diseases.
  • The review details common MRI findings across congenital and acquired conditions.

Conclusions:

  • A stepwise approach to pediatric spinal imaging, starting with less invasive methods, is recommended.
  • MRI is crucial for comprehensive radiological assessment of the pediatric spine, spinal canal, and spinal cord.
  • Understanding MRI findings is essential for diagnosing various spinal pathologies in children.

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