Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 15, 2026
Making MR Imaging Child's Play - Pediatric Neuroimaging Protocol, Guidelines and Procedure
Published on: July 30, 2009
Magnetic resonance imaging acquisition techniques intended to decrease movement artefact in paediatric brain imaging:
Julie Woodfield1, Susan Kealey
1Child Life and Health, University of Edinburgh, 20 Sylvan Place, Edinburgh, EH9 1UW, UK, julie.woodfield@nhs.net.
Abstract:
Attaining paediatric brain images of diagnostic quality can be difficult because of young age or neurological impairment. The use of anaesthesia to reduce movement in MRI increases clinical risk and cost, while CT, though faster, exposes children to potentially harmful ionising radiation. MRI acquisition techniques that aim to decrease movement artefact may allow diagnostic paediatric brain imaging without sedation or anaesthesia. We conducted a systematic review to establish the evidence base for ultra-fast sequences and sequences using oversampling of k-space in paediatric brain MR imaging. Techniques were assessed for imaging time, occurrence of movement artefact, the need for sedation, and either image quality or diagnostic accuracy. We identified 24 relevant studies. We found that ultra-fast techniques had shorter imaging acquisition times compared to standard MRI. Techniques using oversampling of k-space required equal or longer imaging times than standard MRI. Both ultra-fast sequences and those using oversampling of k-space reduced movement artefact compared with standard MRI in unsedated children. Assessment of overall diagnostic accuracy was difficult because of the heterogeneous patient populations, imaging indications, and reporting methods of the studies. In children with shunt-treated hydrocephalus there is evidence that ultra-fast MRI is sufficient for the assessment of ventricular size.
Insights
Ultra-fast MRI sequences can improve image quality in children, reducing the need for sedation or anesthesia. These advanced techniques minimize movement artifacts, aiding in clearer pediatric brain imaging without increased clinical risks.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Pediatric Radiology
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Pediatric brain imaging is challenging due to patient movement, often requiring sedation or anesthesia.
- Sedation/anesthesia increases clinical risks and costs, while CT exposes children to ionizing radiation.
- Advanced MRI techniques may offer solutions for acquiring diagnostic quality pediatric brain images without sedation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review evidence on ultra-fast and k-space oversampling MRI sequences for pediatric brain imaging.
- To assess these techniques regarding imaging time, movement artifacts, need for sedation, and diagnostic quality.
- To establish the evidence base for non-sedated pediatric neuroimaging.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of 24 relevant studies.
- Assessment of MRI sequences based on imaging time, movement artifact occurrence, sedation requirements, and image quality/diagnostic accuracy.
- Focus on ultra-fast sequences and k-space oversampling techniques.
Main Results:
- Ultra-fast MRI sequences demonstrated shorter acquisition times than standard MRI.
- K-space oversampling techniques showed similar or longer imaging times.
- Both ultra-fast and k-space oversampling sequences reduced movement artifacts in unsedated children.
- Diagnostic accuracy assessment was limited by study heterogeneity.
Conclusions:
- Ultra-fast MRI and k-space oversampling techniques effectively reduce movement artifacts in unsedated children.
- Ultra-fast MRI shows promise for pediatric neuroimaging without sedation or anesthesia.
- Evidence suggests ultra-fast MRI is sufficient for assessing ventricular size in children with hydrocephalus.
