Consensus Minimum MRI Protocol for the Child With Acute Recurrent or Chronic Pancreatitis

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Radiology
• Gastroenterology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Imaging is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring pediatric acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP).
• A lack of standardized MRI protocols hinders diagnostic accuracy and multicenter research in pediatric pancreatitis.
• Consensus on a minimum MRI protocol for pediatric pancreatitis is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To achieve consensus on a minimum MRI protocol for children with suspected ARP or CP.
• To standardize imaging techniques for improved diagnostic performance and research.

Main Methods:

• A working group of eight pediatric radiologists and one pancreatologist convened from November 2022 to March 2023.
• Existing clinical protocols were reviewed, and common sequences guided discussions.
• Consensus was reached on a minimum MRI protocol, including specific sequence recommendations.

Main Results:

• A consensus minimum MRI protocol was developed for pediatric pancreatitis.
• The protocol includes five noncontrast sequences and two optional postcontrast sequences.
• Recommendations for acquisition parameters and optimal imaging techniques are provided.

Conclusions:

• The established minimum MRI protocol provides a standardized approach for imaging children with ARP and CP.
• Adoption of this protocol is recommended for clinical care and cooperative research groups.
• Standardization will enhance diagnostic consistency and facilitate multicenter studies.