Pediatric Lung MRI: A Radiation-Free Alternative for Thoracic Imaging

Congress:

ECR 2025

Poster Number:

C-12516

Type:

Educational Exhibit

Keywords:

Lung, MR physics, Thorax, MR, Education, Imaging sequences, Physics, Artifacts

Authors:

E. R. Avci, F. Uncuoğlu, F. C. Sarioglu, H. Güleryüz

DOI:

10.26044/ecr2025/C-12516

DOI-Link:

https://dx.doi.org/10.26044/ecr2025/C-12516

Learning objectives

Understand the role of lung MRI and indications in pediatric patients Learn the MRI sequences commonly used in lung imaging Identify the limitations of lung MRI and earn artifact-reducing techniques to improve image quality

Background

Pulmonary and mediastinal diseases in infants and children encompass a diverse group of congenital and acquired disorders. Clinical presentations are often nonspecific, causing delayed or missed diagnoses. Chest radiography, though commonly used initially, often necessitates further evaluation with computed tomography (CT), which poses risks due to ionizing radiation, especially with repeated imaging [1].Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers a radiation-free alternative to CT, providing excellent soft-tissue contrast and functional insights. Historically limited by challenges such as low lung proton density and air-tissue interface, advancements in MRI...

Findings and procedure details

1. Procedure details and patient preparation (Figure 1)[Fig 1]For lung MRI, the patient should be positioned supine. While a body coil may be used, a local receive coil array optimized for thoracic imaging significantly improves signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Thoracic MRI coils typically include a flexible anterior and an embedded posterior part [4].Children over 5 years can often perform coached breathing maneuvers during the scan. For younger children, moderate sedation or general anesthesia is used with free-breathing techniques. Infants are commonly scanned using the "feed and...

Conclusion

Despite its limitations, lung MRI holds great potential as a radiation-free alternative to CT, offering superior soft-tissue contrast and functional imaging capabilities. Continued advancements in MRI technology may further enhance its role in the comprehensive assessment of pediatric thoracic diseases.

Personal information and conflict of interest

E. R. Avci: Nothing to disclose F. Uncuoğlu: Nothing to disclose F. C. C. Sarioğlu: Nothing to disclose H. Güleryüz: Nothing to disclose

References

Serai SD, Rapp JB, States LJ, Andronikou S, Ciet P, Lee EY. Pediatric Lung MRI: Currently Available and Emerging Techniques. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2021 Mar;216(3):781-790. doi: 10.2214/AJR.20.23104. Epub 2021 Jan 21. Biederer J, Beer M, Hirsch W, Wild J, Fabel M, Puderbach M, Van Beek EJ. MRI of the lung (2/3). Why … when … how? Insights Imaging. 2012 Aug;3(4):355-71. doi: 10.1007/s13244-011-0146-8. Epub 2012 Feb 13. Sodhi KS. Lung MRI in Children: The Road Less Travelled. Indian J Radiol Imaging. 2021 Jan;31(1):237-241. doi: 10.1055/s-0041-1729126....