Role of MRI in paediatric neurooncology

The investigation of children with suspected brain tumours has undergone major advances over the last few decades. MRI has become the primary imaging modality in the initial diagnosis and in follow up of established tumours. Some of the newer techniques are still in the evolutionary phase and not yet routinely used in all centres around the world. However, with the advent of the high field strength magnets and more sophisticated MRI techniques such as MR spectroscopy and MR perfusion, the potential for more rapid and accurate diagnosis is expanding.