Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 28, 2025
Making MR Imaging Child's Play - Pediatric Neuroimaging Protocol, Guidelines and Procedure
Published on: July 30, 2009
Coronal STIR MRI sequences in unexplained limping in children under 6 years old: A single-center retrospective study
Insights
Coronal short TI inversion recovery (STIR) MRI is highly effective for diagnosing unexplained limping in children under six. This imaging technique offers a high negative predictive value, aiding in prompt and accurate diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Pediatric Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Limping is a frequent symptom in young children, often challenging to diagnose with standard methods.
- Persistent limping may necessitate repeated consultations and advanced imaging.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can identify causes or confirm normality in limping children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the negative predictive value (NPV) of coronal short TI inversion recovery (STIR) MRI.
- To assess the diagnostic efficacy of MRI in children under six years with unexplained limping.
Main Methods:
- Coronal STIR MRI sequences were analyzed in 130 children under 6 years old.
- Imaging covered the area from the lower thoracic spine to the feet.
- Agreement between initial radiologist and final specialist diagnoses was assessed.
Main Results:
- 49 scans (37.7%) were normal, and 81 (62.3%) were abnormal.
- The mean age of patients was 32.3 months.
- Coronal STIR MRI demonstrated a 98% NPV with 99.2% diagnostic agreement.
Conclusions:
- Coronal STIR MRI is a valuable tool for unexplained pediatric limping.
- This MRI sequence improves diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.
- The technique is fast and produces minimal motion artifacts, enhancing its utility.
Introduction:
Limping is a common presenting symptom in young children. Clinical examination backed up by laboratory analysis, standard radiography, and/or ultrasound may fail to determine the diagnosis, and limping may prove persistent, requiring repeated consultation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can suggest the etiology or provide welcome reassurance when normal. We advocate the use of MRI in cases of persistent unexplained limping in young children. The study hypothesis was that coronal short TI inversion recovery (STIR) MRI has good negative predictive value (NPV) in unexplained limping in children under 6 years of age.
Material And Method:
Coronal STIR MRI sequences were analyzed in 130 children younger than 6 years (84 boys, 46 girls) during the period April 2007 to May 2017. They extended from the lower thoracic spine down to the feet. Agreement was analyzed between the radiologist's initially suggested diagnosis and the pediatric orthopedic specialist's final diagnosis.
Results:
Overall, 49 scans were normal (37.7%) and 81 abnormal (62.3%). The mean age at MRI was 32.3 months. Coronal STIR MRI had 98% NPV. There was 99.2% agreement between the radiologist's diagnosis and the final diagnosis.
Discussion:
The recently reported contribution of STIR MRI in bone and joint infections was extended to unexplained limping.
Conclusion:
First-line MRI with coronal STIR sequences improved the diagnostic efficacy, thanks to its speed and relative lack of movement artifacts.
Related Concept Videos
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...
01:27Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
01:21Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI