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FDG-PET/MR Imaging in the Assessment of Inflammatory and Infectious Disease in Pediatric Patients

Frederick D Grant1

  • 1Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3401 Convention Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

PET Clinics
|January 22, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (FDG-PET/MR) offers improved soft tissue detail and reduced radiation exposure for pediatric patients. Its advantages support wider use in diagnosing inflammation and infections in children and young adults.

Area of Science:

  • Nuclear medicine
  • Pediatric imaging
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Published studies on fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) for infection and inflammation primarily focus on adults.
  • Experience with adult FDG-PET and limited pediatric FDG-PET/CT has informed the application of FDG-PET/MR in younger populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current applications and advantages of FDG-PET/MR in pediatric patients.
  • To advocate for broader adoption of FDG-PET/MR in pediatric inflammatory and infectious conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature and clinical experience with FDG-PET/MR in pediatric patients.
  • Comparison of FDG-PET/MR with FDG-PET/CT in terms of image quality and radiation dose.

Main Results:

  • FDG-PET/MR has been utilized in pediatric patients for fever of unknown origin, osteomyelitis, cardiac device infections, vasculitis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
  • FDG-PET/MR provides superior soft tissue resolution compared to FDG-PET/CT.
  • FDG-PET/MR involves lower radiation exposure than FDG-PET/CT.

Conclusions:

  • FDG-PET/MR is currently underutilized in pediatric imaging.
  • The benefits of enhanced soft tissue detail and reduced radiation support increased use of FDG-PET/MR for pediatric inflammatory and infectious diseases.
Keywords:
EndocarditisFDG-PET/CTFDG-PET/MRFever of unknown origin (FUO)InfectionInflammationOsteomyelitisVasculitis

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