Analysis of MRI Utilization in Pediatric Patients
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 15, 2026
Making MR Imaging Child's Play - Pediatric Neuroimaging Protocol, Guidelines and Procedure
Published on: July 30, 2009
Yolanda Y Huang1, Caleb Ing, Gouhua Li
1Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University, New York, NY.
Insights
Anesthesia is frequently used for pediatric MRI scans, especially in infants and young children, raising concerns about potential neurodevelopmental risks. Further discussion on anesthesia risks versus benefits for pediatric MRI is recommended.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric imaging and anesthesia
- Neurodevelopmental toxicology
- Healthcare utilization research
Background:
- Animal studies suggest neurocognitive deficits from early anesthetic exposure.
- The risk of anesthesia for pediatric MRI in humans is not well understood.
- Anesthesia is often required for pediatric Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to ensure image quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utilization of MRI in a pediatric population.
- To determine the association of anesthesia use with ambulatory MRI in children.
- To assess the impact of age on anesthesia use during pediatric MRI.
Main Methods:
- Utilized New York State Inpatient and Ambulatory Surgery Databases (2005-2011).
- Analyzed demographic characteristics of children undergoing inpatient and ambulatory MRI.
- Assessed anesthesia use in a subset of ambulatory pediatric MRI patients.
Main Results:
- MRI was performed in 2% of pediatric inpatient discharges and 0.5% of ambulatory encounters.
- Ambulatory MRI utilization decreased significantly from 2005-2006 to 2007-2011.
- Anesthesia use for ambulatory MRI was high, particularly in younger children (91.1% in <1 year olds).
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of pediatric MRIs involve anesthesia, especially in young children.
- Younger children undergoing MRI are more likely to receive anesthesia, posing potential neurotoxicity risks.
- Physicians, patients, and families should discuss anesthesia risks and benefits for pediatric MRI.
Introduction:
Although animal studies have consistently demonstrated long-term neurocognitive deficits following early anesthetic exposure under certain conditions, risk in human children remains unknown. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in young patients often requires anesthesia to facilitate image acquisition. We studied MRI utilization in a pediatric population, and associated use of anesthesia for ambulatory MRI.
Materials And Methods:
Data were obtained from the New York State Inpatient Database and State Ambulatory Surgery and Services Database on MRI performed in children under the age of 18 years from 2005 to 2011. Demographic characteristics of children who underwent inpatient or ambulatory MRI were evaluated. A subset of ambulatory MRI patients was assessed to evaluate associated use of anesthesia.
Results:
Overall, 2% of pediatric inpatient discharges (55,036/2,779,507), and 0.5% of pediatric ambulatory encounters (4670/943,520), had MRI performed. Inpatient MRI utilization did not change over time. Ambulatory MRI utilization decreased by 55.2%, from 8.07 per 1000 encounters in 2005 to 2006 to 3.62 per 1000 encounters in 2007 to 2011 (P<0.001). Associated use of anesthesia for ambulatory MRI in children aged below 1 year, 1 to below 6 years, 6 to below 12 years, and 12 to below 18 years, was 91.1%, 83.6%, 74.6%, and 47.5%, respectively.
Conclusions:
Significant percentages of MRI in children are associated with use of anesthesia, particularly in younger children, a population potentially more vulnerable to anesthetic neurotoxicity. Discussion of risks and benefits of anesthesia for MRI in children among physicians, patients, and families is recommended.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Magnetic Resonance Imaging
01:27Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic 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...
01:21Imaging 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...