Related Experiment Videos
Haemangiomatosis in children: value of MRI during therapy
B Stöver1, J Laubenberger, C Niemeyer
1Department of Paediatric Radiology, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany.
Abstract:
MRI findings of 18 examinations of six children with haemangiomatosis and one with extended arteriovenous malformation are reported. Structures involved were the liver, liver and lung, periorbital area and the thigh. Response to interferon therapy, in particular, was assessed. With MRI the disease can be characterized and the extent of the lesions and size of the haemangiomas measured. Coronal views provide excellent demonstration of the involved structures in liver and lung haemangiomatosis. Two children showed response to interferon therapy with a reduction in lesion size and subsequently in number. Signal intensity decreased slightly on T2-weighted images. During treatment, however, no definitive fibrotic zones were seen. Following complete regression, signal intensity of the liver parenchyma was homogeneous in both weightings, that is, no fibrotic areas were visible 18 months after the beginning of treatment. Two children showed no response and one child died from congestive cardiac failure. The periorbital haemangioma was reduced in size and the lesion in the thigh might be classified as an arteriovenous malformation. In children MRI can replace CT as it is a reliable imaging modality for diagnosing haemangiomatosis and monitoring therapy.
Insights
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a reliable tool for diagnosing pediatric haemangiomatosis and monitoring interferon therapy. MRI effectively characterizes lesions and assesses treatment response, showing reduced size and number in some patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Vascular Malformations
- Interferon Therapy
Background:
- Hemangiomatosis and arteriovenous malformations are complex vascular anomalies in children.
- Accurate diagnosis and monitoring of treatment response are crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in diagnosing pediatric hemangiomatosis.
- To assess the effectiveness of interferon therapy in managing these vascular lesions using MRI.
- To compare MRI with Computed Tomography (CT) for pediatric vascular anomaly imaging.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 18 MRI examinations in seven children with hemangiomatosis or arteriovenous malformation.
- Involved anatomical sites included liver, lungs, periorbital area, and thigh.
- MRI findings were correlated with clinical presentation and response to interferon therapy.
Main Results:
- MRI accurately characterized hemangiomatosis and arteriovenous malformations, measuring lesion extent and size.
- Coronal MRI views effectively demonstrated liver and lung involvement.
- Two children showed significant response to interferon therapy, with reduced lesion size and number, and decreased T2 signal intensity.
- Two children did not respond to therapy, and one died from congestive cardiac failure.
- Post-treatment, liver parenchyma showed homogeneous signal intensity on MRI, indicating absence of fibrotic areas.
Conclusions:
- MRI is a reliable imaging modality for diagnosing pediatric hemangiomatosis and arteriovenous malformations.
- MRI enables effective monitoring of interferon therapy, demonstrating treatment response or lack thereof.
- In pediatric cases, MRI can replace CT, offering superior diagnostic and therapeutic assessment capabilities.