Magnetic resonance imaging of abdominal masses in children

Seventeen children with abdominal masses (16 solid and 1 complex cystic) were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Computed tomography (CT) was also performed in 12 cases. MRI findings were correlated with CT and histopathologic findings. In 10 cases MRI provided more specific diagnostic information than CT. In 2 cases MRI did not provide any significant additional information. In 5 cases, MRI provided enough specific information alone that CT was not deemed necessary prior to clinical management. We conclude from our experience that MRI should be the modality of choice in the further evaluation of noncystic masses after initial sonography. MRI manifestations play a major role in establishing the nature and source of abdominal masses which directly affect their clinical management. Compared with CT, MRI was better in localizing and determining the extent of lesion in its primary and secondary sites, without the need for iodinated contrast injection.