Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026
Making MR Imaging Child's Play - Pediatric Neuroimaging Protocol, Guidelines and Procedure
Published on: July 30, 2009
A prospective audit of safety issues associated with general anesthesia for pediatric cardiac magnetic resonance
Emma Stockton1, Marina Hughes, Mike Broadhead
1Department of Anaesthesia, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, Great Ormond Street, London, UK. stocke@gosh.nhs.uk
Insights
General anesthesia (GA) for pediatric cardiac MRI (CMR) in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) is mostly safe, but carries a higher complication risk than in the general pediatric population, necessitating expert care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Cardiac MRI (CMR) is vital for surgical planning and monitoring in pediatric congenital heart disease (CHD).
- General anesthesia (GA) is often necessary for CMR in young children.
- Prospective data were collected over three years to assess GA safety for pediatric CMR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and incidence of adverse events during general anesthesia for pediatric cardiac MRI in children with CHD.
- To describe the anesthetic management and outcomes in this specific patient population.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study included 120 infants undergoing GA for CMR between November 2005 and May 2008.
- Informed consent was obtained, and a cardiac anesthesiologist collected standardized data during each procedure.
- Data included patient demographics, diagnosis, surgical history, anesthetic management, and any incidents.
Main Results:
- Most procedures (71%) were completed without significant complications.
- Minor adverse events, primarily mild hypotension, occurred in 32 patients.
- One major adverse event (hypotension and cardiac arrest in a patient with hypoplastic left heart syndrome) was successfully resuscitated.
Conclusions:
- While generally safe, GA for pediatric CMR in CHD patients has a higher complication rate than in the general pediatric population.
- These findings underscore the importance of a senior, multidisciplinary team for managing these high-risk pediatric patients during imaging.
Background/Objectives:
Cardiac MRI (CMR) is increasingly used for surgical planning and serial monitoring of children with congenital heart disease (CHD). For small children, general anesthesia (GA) is required. We describe our experience of the safety of GA for pediatric CMR, using data collected prospectively over 3 years.
Methods:
All consecutive infants undergoing GA for CMR at our institution, between November 2005 and May 2008, were included. Informed and written consent to participate in research investigation was acquired from the guardians of every patient prior to CMR. The cardiac anesthetist completed a standardized data collection form during each procedure. Information collected included demographics, diagnosis, surgical history, anesthetic management, significant incidents, and discharge circumstances.
Results:
A total of 120 patients with varying cardiac physiology and a range of hemodynamics underwent GA for CMR during the study period. Gas induction was predominantly used, even in those with impaired ventricular function. The majority (71%) of procedures were undertaken without significant incident. Minor adverse incidents were recorded in 32 patients, mild hypotension being most frequent. One major adverse event occurred. A patient with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) suffered hypotension then cardiac arrest in the scanner. This patient was successfully resuscitated.
Conclusion:
Although the majority of cases were safe and without incident, the complication rate in children with CHD receiving a GA for CMR is higher than in the general pediatric population. This reinforces the need for a senior, multidisciplinary team to be involved in the care of these children during imaging.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI
01:14Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
01:24Magnetic Resonance Imaging
01:30Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
01:24General Anesthesia: Overview
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...