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Updated: Jul 31, 2025

Whole-body PET/MRI of Pediatric Patients: The Details That Matter
Published on: December 19, 2017
Whole-Body MRI in Musculoskeletal Oncology: A Comprehensive Review with Recommendations
Isabela A N Cruz1, Laura M Fayad1, Shivani Ahlawat1
1From the Department of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Fleury Medicina e Saúde Higienópolis, R. Mato Grosso 306, Higienópolis, SP, Brazil 01239-040 (I.A.N.C., M.A.C.N., A.G.O.F., J.B.G.); Department of Radiology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil (I.A.N.C., H.M.L., J.B.G.); The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md (L.M.F., S.A.); and Department of Radiology, Pediatric Oncology Institute, Grupo de Apoio ao Adolescente e à Criança com Câncer (GRAACC), São Paulo, Brazil (H.M.L., J.B.G.).
Abstract:
Whole-body (WB) MRI has emerged as an attractive method for oncologic evaluation, potentially replacing conventional imaging modalities and providing a one-step wide-coverage assessment of both the skeleton and soft tissues. In addition to providing anatomic information, WB MRI may also yield a functional analysis with the inclusion of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). DWI translates microstructural changes, resulting in an excellent alternative to fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT. WB MRI (with DWI) offers comparable accuracy to PET/CT and has the advantage of avoiding ionizing radiation. Technological advances and the development of faster protocols have prompted greater accessibility of WB MRI, with growing applications in routine practice for the diagnosis, staging, and follow-up of cancer. This review discusses the technical considerations, clinical applications, and accuracy of WB MRI in musculoskeletal oncology. Keywords: Pediatrics, MR Imaging, Skeletal-Axial, Skeletal-Appendicular, Soft Tissues/Skin, Bone Marrow, Extremities, Oncology, Musculoskeletal Imaging © RSNA, 2023.
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