Long-term trends in total administered radiation dose from brain [18F]FDG-PET in children with drug-resistant epilepsy.

PURPOSE: To assess the trends in administered 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose ([18F]FDG) doses, computed tomography (CT) radiation doses, and image quality over the last 15 years in children with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) undergoing hybrid positron emission tomography (PET) brain scans. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from children with DRE who had [18F]FDG-PET/CT or magnetic resonance scans for presurgical evaluation between 2005 and 2021. We evaluated changes in injected [18F]FDG doses, administered activity per body weight, CT dose index volume (CTDIvol), and dose length product (DLP). PET image quality was assessed visually by four trained raters. Conversely, CT image quality was measured using region-of-interest analysis, normalized by signal-to-noise (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). RESULTS: We included 55 children (30 male, mean age: 9 ± 6 years) who underwent 61 [18F]FDG-PET scans (71% as PET/CT). Annually, the injected [18F]FDG dose decreased by ~ 1% (95% CI: 0.92%-0.98%, p < 0.001), with no significant changes in administered activity per body weight (p = 0.51). CTDIvol and DLP decreased annually by 16% (95% CI: 9%-23%) and 15% (95% CI: 8%-21%, both p < 0.001), respectively. PET image quality improved by 9% year-over-year (95% CI: 6%-13%, p < 0.001), while CT-associated SNR and CNR decreased annually by 7% (95% CI: 3%-11%, p = 0.001) and 6% (95% CI: 2%-10%, p = 0.008), respectively. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate stability in [18F]FDG administered activity per body weight alongside improvements in PET image quality. Conversely, CT-associated radiation doses reduced. These results reaffirm [18F]FDG-PET as an increasingly safer and higher-resolution auxiliary imaging modality for children with DRE. These improvements, driven by technological advancements, may enhance the diagnostic precision and patient outcomes in pediatric epilepsy surgery.

Technical Feasibility and Outcome of Cryoablation of Aneurysmal Bone Cysts in Pediatric Patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and imaging outcome of aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) in children using percutaneous cryoablation as the sole treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 7 children with a mean age of 8.7 years (range, 3.0-11.9 years) who underwent at least 1 cryoablation for ABC. Cryoablation needles were placed and guided by computed tomography (CT). Imaging follow-up and clinical examination were performed by radiography 1 and 6 months after the procedure and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was performed 3 and 12 months after the procedure. Additional cryoablation was performed in case of MR imaging-detected recurrence. Data were analyzed by anatomical location, measurement of lesion volume, numbers of intralesional cysts, grade of mineralization (5-point Likert scale), pain (0 [none] to 4 [severe]), and grade of fluid-fluid levels (FFLs; 4-point Likert scale). RESULTS: Fourteen cryoablations were performed. Patients showed volume reduction, with 1 showing a complete response and 6 showing partial response. Following treatment, there was a substantial reduction in lesion volume compared with baseline, leading to a mean volume decrease of 81.9% (range, 66.8%-100%). The grade of mineralization (3.2 [SD ± 1.2] after therapy vs 1.1 [SD ± 0.3] at baseline), grade of FFL (1.6 [SD ± 0.5] after therapy vs 3.4 [SD ± 1.1] at baseline), and pain (0.29 [SD ± 0.4] after therapy vs 1.86 [SD ± 0.7] at baseline) significantly improved after therapy (all P < .05). One severe adverse event occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Cryoablation is an effective treatment option for ABC in children. Further research is needed to compare it with other techniques.

Accelerated cardiac magnetic resonance imaging using deep learning for volumetric assessment in children.

BACKGROUND: Ventricular volumetry using a short-axis stack of two-dimensional (D) cine balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) sequences is crucial in any cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination. This task becomes particularly challenging in children due to multiple breath-holds. OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic performance of accelerated 3-RR cine MRI sequences using deep learning reconstruction compared with standard 2-D cine bSSFP sequences. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-nine consecutive patients (mean age 11 ± 5, median 12, range 1-17 years) undergoing cardiac MRI were scanned with a conventional segmented 2-D cine and a deep learning accelerated cine (three heartbeats) acquisition on a 1.5-tesla scanner. Short-axis volumetrics were performed (semi-)automatically in both datasets retrospectively by two experienced readers who visually assessed image quality employing a 4-point grading scale. Scan times and image quality were compared using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Volumetrics were assessed with linear regression and Bland-Altman analyses, and measurement agreement with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: Mean acquisition time was significantly reduced with the 3-RR deep learning cine compared to the standard cine sequence (45.5 ± 13.8 s vs. 218.3 ± 44.8 s; P < 0.001). No significant differences in biventricular volumetrics were found. Left ventricular (LV) mass was increased in the deep learning cine compared with the standard cine sequence (71.4 ± 33.1 g vs. 69.9 ± 32.5 g; P < 0.05). All volumetric measurements had an excellent agreement with ICC > 0.9 except for ejection fraction (EF) (LVEF 0.81, RVEF 0.73). The image quality of deep learning cine images was decreased for end-diastolic and end-systolic contours, papillary muscles, and valve depiction (2.9 ± 0.5 vs. 3.5 ± 0.4; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Deep learning cine volumetrics did not differ significantly from standard cine results except for LV mass, which was slightly overestimated with deep learning cine. Deep learning cine sequences result in a significant reduction in scan time with only slightly lower image quality.

Artificial intelligence-based detection of paediatric appendicular skeletal fractures: performance and limitations for common fracture types and locations.

BACKGROUND: Research into artificial intelligence (AI)-based fracture detection in children is scarce and has disregarded the detection of indirect fracture signs and dislocations. OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of an existing AI-tool for the detection of fractures, indirect fracture signs, and dislocations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An AI software, BoneView (Gleamer, Paris, France), was assessed for diagnostic accuracy of fracture detection using paediatric radiology consensus diagnoses as reference. Radiographs from a single emergency department were enrolled retrospectively going back from December 2021, limited to 1,000 radiographs per body part. Enrolment criteria were as follows: suspected fractures of the forearm, lower leg, or elbow; age 0-18 years; and radiographs in at least two projections. RESULTS: Lower leg radiographs showed 607 fractures. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were high (87.5%, 87.5%, 98.3%, 98.3%, respectively). Detection rate was low for toddler's fractures, trampoline fractures, and proximal tibial Salter-Harris-II fractures. Forearm radiographs showed 1,137 fractures. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were high (92.9%, 98.1%, 98.4%, 91.7%, respectively). Radial and ulnar bowing fractures were not reliably detected (one out of 11 radial bowing fractures and zero out of seven ulnar bowing fractures were correctly detected). Detection rate was low for styloid process avulsions, proximal radial buckle, and complete olecranon fractures. Elbow radiographs showed 517 fractures. Sensitivity and NPV were moderate (80.5%, 84.7%, respectively). Specificity and PPV were high (94.9%, 93.3%, respectively). For joint effusion, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were moderate (85.1%, 85.7%, 89.5%, 80%, respectively). For elbow dislocations, sensitivity and PPV were low (65.8%, 50%, respectively). Specificity and NPV were high (97.7%, 98.8%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic performance of BoneView is promising for forearm and lower leg fractures. However, improvement is mandatory before clinicians can rely solely on AI-based paediatric fracture detection using this software.

A third of the radiotracer dose: two decades of progress in pediatric [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT and PET/MR imaging.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the evolution of administered radiotracer activity for F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT or PET/MR in pediatric patients (0-16 years) between years 2000 and 2021. METHODS: Pediatric patients (≤ 16 years) referred for 18F-FDG PET/CT or PET/MR imaging of the body during 2000 and 2021 were retrospectively included. The amount of administered radiotracer activity in megabecquerel (MBq) was recorded, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was measured in the right liver lobe with a 4 cm3 volume of interest as an indicator for objective image quality. Descriptive statistics were computed. RESULTS: Two hundred forty-three children and adolescents underwent a total of 466 examinations. The median injected 18F-FDG activity in MBq decreased significantly from 296 MBq in 2000-2005 to 100 MBq in 2016-2021 (p < 0.001), equaling approximately one-third of the initial amount. The median SNR ratio was stable during all years with 11.7 (interquartile range [IQR] 10.7-12.9, p = 0.133). CONCLUSIONS: Children have benefited from a massive reduction in the administered 18F-FDG dose over the past 20 years without compromising objective image quality. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Radiotracer dose was reduced considerably over the past two decades of pediatric F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT and PET/MR imaging highlighting the success of technical innovations in pediatric PET imaging. KEY POINTS: • The evolution of administered radiotracer activity for F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT or PET/MR in pediatric patients (0-16 years) between 2000 and 2021 was assessed. • The injected tracer activity decreased by 66% during the study period from 296 megabecquerel (MBq) to 100 MBq (p < 0.001). • The continuous implementation of technical innovations in pediatric hybrid 18F-FDG PET has led to a steady decrease in the amount of applied radiotracer, which is particularly beneficial for children who are more sensitive to radiation.

Does Magnetic Resonance Imaging Distinguish Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis From Other Causes of Progressive Temporomandibular Joint Destruction?

PURPOSE: Similarities in initial presentations of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement from juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), idiopathic condylar resorption, and other forms of progressive TMJ destruction in children create diagnostic confusion. Treatment pathways, however, depend on determination of etiology. The purpose of this study was to compare TMJ magnetic resonance images (MRIs) of patients with joint degeneration localized to the TMJs to those with JIA and TMJ involvement. STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, SAMPLE: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study including subjects younger than 18 years that presented from February 2008 to October 2019 with clinical TMJ degeneration, a gadolinium-enhanced TMJ MRI and a negative pediatric rheumatologic workup (non-JIA group), and a series of age and sex-matched subjects with TMJ degeneration on gadolinium-enhanced MRI and JIA (JIA group). MRIs were evaluated in a blinded fashion by 1 pediatric radiologist. The primary outcome variable was the radiologist's accuracy in predicting study grouping, assessed in 1 randomly-selected joint per patient. Secondary outcome variables included MRI characteristics of inflammation, osseous damage and articular disc morphology. Independent samples t-tests, sensitivity/specificity, Fisher's exact and Mann-Whitney tests were computed as applicable, and P < .05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The sample included 34 subjects: 16 non-JIA (75% female, age 13.9 ± 2.8 years) and 18 JIA (77% female, age 13.6 ± 2.8 years) (P ≥ .738). The radiologist correctly classified 64.7% of subjects as non-JIA or JIA (P = .078, sensitivity = 94.4%, specificity = 31.3%). Inflammatory and osseous findings were similar between groups (P ≥ .073). The disc was anteriorly displaced in 9 non-JIA and 0 JIA joints (P < .001, sensitivity = 100%, specificity = 100%) and flattened in 3 non-JIA and 14 JIA joints (P = .006, sensitivity = 38.9%, specificity = 90.6%). CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: Inflammatory and osseous findings on gadolinium-enhanced TMJ MRIs are insufficient to determine the etiology of progressive TMJ destruction. Disc characteristics, however, significantly differ between JIA and non-JIA etiologies and may be important in differentiating these conditions.

Neonatal cardiorespiratory imaging-a multimodality state-of-the-art review.

Advanced cardiorespiratory imaging of the chest with ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays an important role in diagnosing respiratory and cardiac conditions in neonates when radiography and echocardiography alone are not sufficient. This pictorial essay highlights the particularities, clinical indications and technical aspects of applying chest US, cardiac CT and cardiorespiratory MRI techniques specifically to neonates, summarising the first session of the European Society of Paediatric Radiology's cardiothoracic task force.

Feasibility of Non-Gated Dynamic Fetal Cardiac MRI for Identification of Fetal Cardiovascular Anatomy.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of identifying the fetal cardiac and thoracic vascular structures with non-gated dynamic balanced steady-state free precession (SSFP) MRI sequences. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed the visibility of cardiovascular anatomy in 60 fetuses without suspicion of congenital heart defect. Non-gated dynamic balanced SSFP sequences were acquired in three anatomic planes of the fetal thorax. The images were analyzed following a segmental approach in consensus reading by an experienced pediatric cardiologist and radiologist. An imaging score was defined by giving one point to each visualized structure, yielding a maximum score of 21 points. Image quality was rated from 0 (poor) to 2 (excellent). The influence of gestational age (GA), field strength, placenta position, and maternal panniculus on image quality and imaging score were tested. RESULTS: 30 scans were performed at 1.5T, 30 at 3T. Heart position, atria, and ventricles could be seen in all 60 fetuses. Basic diagnosis (>12 points) was achieved in 54 cases. The mean imaging score was 16.8+/-3.8. Maternal panniculus (r = -0.3; p = 0.015) and GA (r = 0.6; p < 0.001) correlated with imaging score. Field strength influenced image quality, with 1.5T being better than 3T images (p = 0.012). Imaging score or quality was independent of placenta position. CONCLUSION: Fetal cardiac MRI with non-gated SSFP sequences enables recognition of basic cardiovascular anatomy.

Preliminary experience with black bone magnetic resonance imaging for morphometry of the mandible and visualisation of the facial skeleton.

BACKGROUND: Children with orofacial deformity may require repeated imaging of the facial skeleton. OBJECTIVE: To test the feasibility and accuracy of "black bone" magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for assessing facial deformity in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three-dimensional (3-D) black bone gradient echo sequences (flip angle 5°, submillimetre spatial resolution) from 10 children (median age: 13 years, range: 2-16 years), who underwent MRI of the temporomandibular joints, were evaluated with multiplanar reconstruction and 3-D rendering tools. Intra- and inter-reader agreement was investigated for measuring the height of the mandibular ramus and condyle, basal length of the mandible, gonion angle and mandibular inclination angle by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman analysis. Absolute percentage error was calculated with the average of all measurements serving as reference. RESULTS: Sixty linear and 40 angle measurements were obtained on reformatted multiplanar black bone images with excellent inter-reader agreement (ICC > 0.99, agreement bias < 1.4 mm/ < 1.5°) and small error (median absolute error < 3%). The black bone images required inversion of the signal intensity and removal of air before they could be processed with standard volume rendering tools. The diagnostic utility of 3-D views for assessing the facial skeleton was sufficient except for assessing dental relationship. CONCLUSION: Morphometric measurements of the mandible can be obtained from black bone MRI with comparable inter-rater agreement to that reported for cone beam computed tomography (CT). With improvements of 3-D rendering techniques and software, black bone MRI may become a radiation-free alternative to CT in children with facial deformities.

Assessment of ventricular flow dynamics by 4D-flow MRI in patients following surgical repair of d-transposition of the great arteries.

OBJECTIVES: To use 4D-flow MRI to describe systemic and non-systemic ventricular flow organisation and energy loss in patients with repaired d-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) and normal subjects. METHODS: Pathline tracking of ventricular volumes was performed using 4D-flow MRI data from a 1.5-T GE Discovery MR450 scanner. D-TGA patients following arterial switch (n = 17, mean age 14 ± 5 years) and atrial switch (n = 15, 35 ± 6 years) procedures were examined and compared with subjects with normal cardiac anatomy and ventricular function (n = 12, 12 ± 3 years). Pathlines were classified by their passage through the ventricles as direct flow, retained inflow, delayed ejection flow, and residual volume and visually and quantitatively assessed. Additionally, viscous energy losses (ELv) were calculated. RESULTS: In normal subjects, the ventricular flow paths were well ordered following similar trajectories through the ventricles with very little mixing of flow components. The flow paths in all atrial and some arterial switch patients were more irregular with high mixing. Direct flow and delayed ejection flow were decreased in atrial switch patients' systemic ventricles with a corresponding increase in residual volume compared with normal subjects (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001 respectively) and arterial switch patients (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.001 respectively). In non-systemic ventricles, arterial switch patients had increased direct flow and decreased delayed ejection fractions compared to normal (p = 0.007 and p < 0.001 respectively) and atrial switch patients (p = 0.01 and p < 0.001 respectively). Regions of high levels of mixing of ventricular flow components showed elevated ELv. CONCLUSIONS: 4D-flow MRI pathline tracking reveals disordered ventricular flow patterns and associated ELv in d-TGA patients. KEY POINTS: • 4D-flow MRI can be used to assess intraventricular flow dynamics in d-TGA patients. • d-TGA arterial switch patients mostly show intraventricular flow dynamics representative of normal subjects, while atrial switch patients show increased flow disorder and different proportions of intraventricular flow volumes. • Flow disruption and disorder increase viscous energy losses.

Three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging ultrashort echo-time cones for assessing lung density in pediatric patients.

BACKGROUND: MRI of lung parenchyma is challenging because of the rapid decay of signal by susceptibility effects of aerated lung on routine fast spin-echo sequences. OBJECTIVE: To assess lung signal intensity in children on ultrashort echo-time sequences in comparison to a fast spin-echo technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of lung MRI obtained in 30 patients (median age 5 years, range 2 months to 18 years) including 15 with normal lungs and 15 with cystic fibrosis. On a fast spin-echo sequence with radial readout and an ultrashort echo-time sequence, both lungs were segmented and signal intensities were extracted. We compared lung-to-background signal ratios and histogram analysis between the two patient cohorts using non-parametric tests and correlation analysis. RESULTS: On ultrashort echo-time the lung-to-background ratio was age-dependent, ranging from 3.15 to 1.33 with high negative correlation (Rs = -0.86). Signal in posterior dependent portions of the lung was 18% and 11% higher than that of the anterior lung for age groups 0-2 and 2-18 years, respectively. The fast spin-echo sequence showed no variation of signal ratios by age or location, with a median of 0.99 (0.98-1.02). Histograms of ultrashort echo-time slices between controls and children with aggravated cystic fibrosis with mucus plugging and wall thickening exhibited significant discrepancies that differentiated between normal and pathological lungs. CONCLUSION: Signal intensity of lung on ultrashort echo-time is higher than that on fast spin-echo sequences, is age-dependent and shows a gravity-dependent anterior to posterior gradient. This signal variation appears similar to lung density described on CT.

Additional value and new insights by four-dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging in congenital heart disease: application in neonates and young children.

Cardiovascular MRI has become an essential imaging modality in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) in the last 15-20 years. With use of appropriate sequences, it provides important information on cardiovascular anatomy, blood flow and function for initial diagnosis and post-surgical or -interventional monitoring in children. Although considered as more sophisticated and challenging than CT, in particular in neonates and infants, MRI is able to provide information on intra- and extracardiac haemodynamics, in contrast to CT. In recent years, four-dimensional (4-D) flow MRI has emerged as an additional MR technique for retrospective assessment and visualisation of blood flow within the heart and any vessel of interest within the acquired three-dimensional (3-D) volume. Its application in young children requires special adaptations for the smaller vessel size and faster heart rate compared to adolescents or adults. In this article, we provide an overview of 4-D flow MRI in various types of complex CHD in neonates and infants to demonstrate its potential indications and beneficial application for optimised individual cardiovascular assessment. We focus on its application in clinical routine cardiovascular workup and, in addition, show some examples with pathologies other than CHD to highlight that 4-D flow MRI yields new insights in disease understanding and therapy planning. We shortly review the essentials of 4-D flow data acquisition, pre- and post-processing techniques in neonates, infants and young children. Finally, we conclude with some details on accuracy, limitations and pitfalls of the technique.

Imaging findings of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children associated with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: A hyperinflammatory immune-mediated shock syndrome has been recognised in children exposed to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). OBJECTIVE: To describe typical imaging findings in children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, imaging studies and clinical data from children treated for multisystem inflammatory syndrome were collected from multiple centres. Standardised case templates including demographic, biochemical and imaging information were completed by participating centres and reviewed by paediatric radiologists and paediatricians. RESULTS: We included 37 children (21 boys; median age 8.0 years). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing was positive for SARS-CoV-2 in 15/37 (41%) children and immunoglobulins in 13/19 children (68%). Common clinical presentations were fever (100%), abdominal pain (68%), rash (54%), conjunctivitis (38%) and cough (32%). Thirty-three children (89%) showed laboratory or imaging findings of cardiac involvement. Thirty of the 37 children (81%) required admission to the intensive care unit, with good recovery in all cases. Chest radiographs demonstrated cardiomegaly in 54% and signs of pulmonary venous hypertension/congestion in 73%. The most common chest CT abnormalities were ground-glass and interstitial opacities (83%), airspace consolidation (58%), pleural effusion (58%) and bronchial wall thickening (42%). Echocardiography revealed impaired cardiac function in half of cases (51%) and coronary artery abnormalities in 14%. Cardiac MRI showed myocardial oedema in 58%, pericardial effusion in 42% and decreased left ventricular function in 25%. Twenty children required imaging for abdominal symptoms, the commonest abnormalities being free fluid (71%) and terminal ileum wall thickening (57%). Twelve children underwent brain imaging, showing abnormalities in two cases. CONCLUSION: Children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome showed pulmonary, cardiac, abdominal and brain imaging findings, reflecting the multisystem inflammatory disease. Awareness of the imaging features of this disease is important for early diagnosis and treatment.

Flow quantification dependency on background phase correction techniques in 4D-flow MRI.

PURPOSE: To analyze the dependence of flow volume measurements on 3D cine phase-contrast MRI (4D-flow MRI) background phase correction. METHODS: In 31 subjects scanned on a 1.5T MRI scanner, flow volume measurements at 4 vessels were made using phantom corrected 2D phase contrast and 4D flow with background phase correction performed by linear, second, third, and fourth-order polynomial fitting to static tissue. Variations in the amount and distribution of static tissue were made to investigate the influence on flow volume measurements. RESULTS: Bland Altman comparison of 2D phase-contrast and 4D-flow measurements showed low bias (2.3%-4.8%) and relatively large limits of agreement (13.5%-17.6%). Approximately half of this was attributable to sequence and physiological differences between the 2 scan sequences, demonstrated by smaller limits of agreement (5.3%-10.0%) when comparing 4D-flow measurements with differing background phase corrections. Using only 20% of available static tissue points for polynomial fitting resulted in only 1% difference in flow volume measurements. Using asymmetrically distributed static tissue or including nonstatic tissue for polynomial fitting yielded highly variable differences in flow volume measurements, which became more variable with increased polynomial order. Completely asymmetric static tissue selection resulted in high deviations in flow volume measurements (mean > 7%, max = 345%). CONCLUSION: Comparisons between 2D phase-contrast and 4D-flow volume measurements should consider influences from sequence and physiological differences. A subset of static tissue points may be used with low impact on flow measurements, but should avoid the inclusion of nonstatic tissue and avoid asymmetric distribution. Higher-order polynomial fits are more susceptible to inaccurate static tissue selection.

MR Features of Juxta-Articular Venous Malformations of the Knee to Predict the Clinical Outcome of Sclerotherapy.

PURPOSE: To analyze and correlate preinterventional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings with clinical symptoms after percutaneous sclerotherapy of venous malformations (VMs) adjacent to the knee. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients (mean age, 24 y; range, 7-55 y; 11 female) with 26 VMs adjacent to the knee undergoing sclerotherapy (direct puncture, diagnostic angiography, sclerosant injection) were identified, and MR imaging findings were analyzed. The VM involved the synovium of the knee joint in 19 of 26 cases (76%). These lesions were associated with joint effusion (3 of 19; 16%), hemarthrosis (4 of 19; 21%), or synovial thickening (16 of 19; 84%). Follow-up ended 6-8 weeks after the first or second sclerotherapy session if complete pain relief was achieved or 3 months after the third sclerotherapy session. Treatment outcomes were categorized as symptom improvement (complete or partial pain relief) or poor response (unchanged or increased pain). RESULTS: Forty-nine percutaneous sclerotherapy sessions were performed. Despite the absence of signs of knee osteoarthritis, patients with a VM involving the synovium (8 of 14; 57%) showed a poor response to sclerotherapy (1 of 8 [13%] pain-free after 1 sclerotherapy session). Among patients with VMs with no associated joint alteration and no synovial involvement (6 of 14; 43%), 5 of 6 (83%) showed improvement of symptoms after 1 sclerotherapy session (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Juxta-articular VMs of the knee are frequently associated with hemarthrosis and synovial thickening. Patients with signs of osteoarthritis and synovial involvement of the VM on presclerotherapy MR imaging deserve special consideration, as these findings predict worse clinical symptoms after sclerotherapy.

Structural and perfusion magnetic resonance imaging of congenital lung malformations.

BACKGROUND: A radiation-free advanced imaging modality is desirable for investigating congenital thoracic malformations in young children. OBJECTIVE: To describe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of congenital bronchopulmonary foregut malformations and investigate the ability of lung MRI for their classification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of consecutive MRI examinations performed for suspected congenital lung anomalies in 39 children (median age: 3.8 months, range: 2 days-15 years). Morphological and perfusion findings were characterised on respiratory-gated fast spin echo and dynamic contrast-enhanced sequences obtained at 1.5 tesla. Abnormalities were classified independently by two readers and compared to an expert diagnosis based on pathology, surgery and/or other imaging. RESULTS: Main diagnoses included bronchopulmonary lesions in 33 patients, scimitar syndrome in 4 patients, pulmonary arteriovenous malformation and oesophageal duplication cyst in one patient each. Of 46 observed abnormalities, 44 (96%) were classified correctly with very good interobserver agreement (96% concordance rate). The 39 detected lung lesions included isolated overinflation (17/39, 44%), cystic pulmonary airway malformation (8/39, 21%), bronchopulmonary sequestration (7/39, 18%), bronchogenic cyst (4/39, 10%) and hybrid lesion (3/39, 8%). All lung lesions presented as perfusion defect at peak pulmonary enhancement. Non-cystic lesions showed a delayed peak (median delay: 2.8 s, interquartile range: 0.5 to 4.0 s) in relation to normal lung parenchyma. CONCLUSION: A dedicated lung MRI protocol including respiratory compensated sequences, dynamic angiography and perfusion is able to reliably delineate parenchymal and vascular components of congenital bronchopulmonary foregut malformations. Therefore, MRI may be considered for comprehensive postnatal evaluation of congenital thoracic malformations.

Thoracic imaging of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in children: a series of 91 cases.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary infection with SARS-CoV-2 virus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; COVID-19) has rapidly spread worldwide to become a global pandemic. OBJECTIVE: To collect paediatric COVID-19 cases worldwide and to summarize both clinical and imaging findings in children who tested positive on polymerase chain reaction testing for SARS-CoV-2. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected by completion of a standardised case report form submitted to the office of the European Society of Paediatric Radiology from March 12 to April 8, 2020. Chest imaging findings in children younger than 18 years old who tested positive on polymerase chain reaction testing for SARS-CoV-2 were included. Representative imaging studies were evaluated by multiple senior paediatric radiologists from this group with expertise in paediatric chest imaging. RESULTS: Ninety-one children were included (49 males; median age: 6.1 years, interquartile range: 1.0 to 13.0 years, range: 9 days-17 years). Most had mild symptoms, mostly fever and cough, and one-third had coexisting medical conditions. Eleven percent of children presented with severe symptoms and required intensive unit care. Chest radiographs were available in 89% of patients and 10% of them were normal. Abnormal chest radiographs showed mainly perihilar bronchial wall thickening (58%) and/or airspace consolidation (35%). Computed tomography (CT) scans were available in 26% of cases, with the most common abnormality being ground glass opacities (88%) and/or airspace consolidation (58%). Tree in bud opacities were seen in 6 of 24 CTs (25%). Lung ultrasound and chest magnetic resonance imaging were rarely utilized. CONCLUSION: It seems unnecessary to perform chest imaging in children to diagnose COVID-19. Chest radiography can be used in symptomatic children to assess airway infection or pneumonia. CT should be reserved for when there is clinical concern to assess for possible complications, especially in children with coexisting medical conditions.

Total cerebrovascular blood flow and whole brain perfusion in children sedated using propofol with or without ketamine at induction: An investigation with 2D-Cine PC and ASL.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sedation regimes may be used to facilitate pediatric MRI scans. These regimes might affect cerebral blood flow and hemodynamics to varying degrees, particularly in children who may be vulnerable to anesthetic side effects. PURPOSE: To compare the effects of propofol monosedation solely (Pm group) vs. a combination of propofol and ketamine (KP group) on brain hemodynamics and perfusion. STUDY TYPE: Prospective double-blind randomized trial. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCES: 1.5T and 3T. 2D-Cine phase contrast (2D-Cine PC) and pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling (ASL). POPULATION: Children aged from 3 months to 10 years referred for MRI with deep sedation were randomized into either the KP or the Pm group. Perfusion images were acquired with ASL followed by single-slice 2D-Cine PC acquired between the cervical vertebra C2 and C3. ASSESSMENT: Average whole-brain perfusion (WBP ml.min-1 .100 ml-1 ) was extracted from the ASL perfusion maps and total cerebrovascular blood flow (CVF) was quantified by bilaterally summing the flow in the vertebral and the internal carotid arteries. The CVF values were converted to units of ml.min-1 .100 g-1 to calculate the tissue CVF100g (ml.min-1 .100 g-1 ). Images were assessed by a neuroradiologist and data from n = 81 (ASL) and n = 55 (PC) cases with no apparent pathology were entered into the analysis. STATISTICAL TESTS: Multivariate analysis of covariance was performed to compare drug sedation effects on WBP, CVF, and CVF100g . RESULTS: No significant difference in arterial flow was observed (P = 0.57), but the KP group showed significantly higher WBP than the Pm group, covarying for scanner and age (P = 0.003). A correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between mean WBP (ml.min-1 .100 g-1 ) and mean CVF100g . DATA CONCLUSION: The KP group showed higher perfusion but no significant difference in vascular flow compared with the Pm group. WBP and CVF100g correlated significantly, but ASL appeared to have more susceptibility to perfusion differences arising from the different sedation regimes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 4 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1433-1440.

Temporomandibular joint magnetic resonance imaging findings in adolescents with anterior disk displacement compared to those with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Deformation of the mandibular condyle can be associated with anterior disk displacement (ADD) or involvement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) by juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Diagnostic differentiation is critical for proper management. OBJECTIVES: To compare morphology and inflammation between TMJs with ADD and JIA. METHODS: Retrospective assessment of contrast-enhanced TMJ MRI in 18 adolescents (15 female, mean age 15.1 ± 1.9 years) with ADD and age- and gender-matched patients with JIA. Articular disk findings, inflammatory signs and osseous morphology were compared. RESULTS: In the ADD group, 31 of 36 disks were displaced. In total, 28 of 31 displaced disks showed thickening of the bilaminar zone. In JIA patients, the disks were mainly flattened (19/36), centrally perforated (12/36) and/or anteriorly displaced (2/36). In total, 19 of 31 TMJs with ADD showed various degrees of inflammation, with joint effusion, synovial thickening and joint enhancement not significantly different from JIA patients. Osseous deformity was present in 27 of 31 TMJs with ADD, with frequent erosions in both groups (ADD 25/31; JIA 32/36, P = 0.55) but lower grades of condylar and temporal bone flattening than in JIA (P ≤ 0.001). Glenoid fossa depth was preserved in 28 of 31 joints with ADD and decreased in 26 of 36 joints with JIA (P < 0.0001). Mandibular ramus height was decreased in both groups. CONCLUSION: In adolescents, inflammatory signs are common MRI findings in symptomatic TMJs with ADD and thus should not be considered diagnostic for JIA involvement. In this cohort, both entities had high rates of condylar deformity, while TMJs with ADD showed a better-preserved and often normal shape of the glenoid fossa.

Structural and perfusion magnetic resonance imaging of the lung in cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Because of its absence of ionising radiation and possibility for obtaining functional information, MRI is promising for assessing lung disease in children who require repetitive imaging for long-term follow-up. OBJECTIVE: To describe MRI findings in children with cystic fibrosis and evaluate semi-quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced lung perfusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively compared lung MRI in 25 children and young adults with cystic fibrosis (median age 3.7 years) to 12 children (median age 2 years) imaged for other pathologies. MRI at 1.5 T included respiratory-gated sequences and contrast-enhanced lung perfusion imaging. We described and graded any morphologic change. Signal enhancement and time to peak values of perfusion abnormalities were compared to those of normally enhancing lung parenchyma. RESULTS: Frequent findings in patients with cystic fibrosis were bronchial wall thickening (24/25, 96%), areas of consolidation (22/25, 88%), enlarged lymph nodes (20/25, 80%), bronchiectasis (5/25, 20%) and mucus plugging (3/25, 12%). Compared to normally enhancing lung, perfusion defects (21/25, 84%), characterised by decreased enhancement, showed prolonged time to peak. Areas of consolidation showed increased enhancement. While time to peak of procedure-related atelectasis was not significantly different from that of normal lung, disease-related consolidation showed prolonged time to peak (P=0.01). CONCLUSION: Lung MRI demonstrates structural and perfusion abnormalities in children and young people with cystic fibrosis. Semi-quantitative assessment of dynamic contrast-enhanced perfusion imaging might allow differentiation between procedure-related atelectasis and disease-related consolidation.