[Magnetic resonance imaging of the pediatric chest].

Abstract

Background: Magnetic resonance imagining (MRI) has become a well-established radiation-free alternative to computed tomography (CT) in pediatric imaging but is still rarely used for lung evaluation due to technical limitations such as low proton density and motion artifacts.

Objective: To demonstrate how pediatric lung MRI can be performed reliably despite its known limitations and how recent technical innovations enhance its diagnostic potential.

Materials and methods: Based on clinical experience from a university pediatric radiology center, a standardized thoracic MRI protocol for children is presented. It includes respiratory-triggered T2-weighted sequences and, when available, ultra-short TE (UTE) sequences. Emerging techniques such as ventilation-perfusion MRI and real-time MRI are also discussed.

Results: Most clinical questions can be addressed using respiratory-triggered T2-weighted sequences. UTE sequences improve visualization of aerated lung parenchyma and low-proton lesions. Real-time MRI significantly reduces motion artifacts and enables functional assessment, especially in unsedated infants and toddlers. Total exam time is 15-20 min.

Conclusion: Pediatric lung MRI is a reliable, radiation-free alternative to CT in many cases. New sequence techniques like UTE and real-time MRI considerably expand its diagnostic range. Wider adoption could meaningfully reduce radiation exposure in children with chronic lung disease.