Tips and tricks for pediatric brain magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides detailed anatomical and functional information about the brain without radiation exposure. One of the biggest challenges in pediatric brain MRI is to successfully acquire high-quality diagnostic images. As water content in brain tissues is higher and brain myelination is less mature in newborns and infants compared with older children and adults, specific scan parameters are required in sequences that are designed according to the age of the child. In addition, younger children often need to be sedated to enable them to hold still adequately during the long acquisition time. The recently published “Joint recommendations for sedation during MRI” provides valuable advice for improving safety in pediatric MRI. In this paper, practical tips and tricks for pediatric brain MRI are reviewed and safety issues in pediatric sedation are discussed.