Magnetic resonance angiography in children.

MRA in children utilizes the same pulse sequences used in adults, but for investigation of the differing forms of vascular pathology found in the pediatric population. Because of the extreme sensitivity of MRA to motion artifact, sedation is an important adjunct to the performance of diagnostic MRI and MRA in children. Because of the noninvasive nature of MRA, strictly diagnostic conventional angiography in children is uncommonly performed and frequently directed toward investigation and therapy of intracranial vascular malformations. Common indications for MRA in children include sickle cell vasculopathy, cerebral and posterior fossa infarction, tumors, vascular malformations, and follow-up of patients recently on extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Non-invasive follow-up subsequent to surgical or medical therapy of intra or extra cranial vascular pathology is another important use for MRA in children.