Susceptibility-weighted imaging of the pediatric brain

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2012 May;198(5):W440-9. doi: 10.2214/AJR.11.8049.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this article is to present and discuss the susceptibility-weighted imaging signal characteristics of the normal pediatric brain and those of a variety of pediatric brain pathologic abnormalities.

Conclusion: Its high susceptibility for blood products, iron depositions, and calcifications makes susceptibility-weighted imaging an important additional sequence for the diagnostic workup of pediatric brain pathologic abnormalities. Compared with conventional MRI sequences, susceptibility-weighted imaging may show lesions in better detail or with higher sensitivity. Familiarity with the pediatric susceptibility-weighted imaging signal variance is essential to prevent misdiagnosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Artifacts
  • Brain / anatomy & histology*
  • Brain Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Reference Values
  • Sensitivity and Specificity