Hyun Woo Goo MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Seong Hoon Choi MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Thad Ghim MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Hyun Nam Moon MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Jong Jin Seo MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To assess the usefulness of whole-body MR imaging in detecting primary malignant tumors and metastatic lesions in pediatric patients and to describe our experiences in optimizing the MR techniques.

Whole-body MR imaging using the coronal short tau inversion recovery (STIR) and sagittal selective partial inversion recovery (SPIR) sequences were performed consecutively in 24 children. In patients with lymphoma (n = 8), rhabdomyosarcoma (n = 4), and yolk sac tumor (n = 1), whole-body MR images were compared with bone scans for detecting skeletal metastases. In patients with ganglioneuroblastoma (n = 2) and neuroblastoma (n = 9), whole-body MR images were compared with MIBG scans for evaluation of tumor extent.

All primary, residual, and recurrent tumors could be detected by whole-body MR imaging. Whole-body MR imaging revealed more skeletal metastases than did bone scan in 4 patients. In 4 patients with neuroblastoma, whole-body MR imaging gave false positive findings, but it detected a metastatic lesion missed by MIBG scan.

Whole-body MR imaging may be superior to bone scan in detecting skeletal metastases. In assessing neuroblastomas, correlation with MIBG scan may be important during or after chemotherapy. In addition to coronal plane imaging, sagittal plane imaging may help delineate spinal metastases and spinal canal involvement of tumors.

Goo, H, Choi, S, Ghim, T, Moon, H, Seo, J, Whole-Body MR Imaging of Pediatric Malignant Tumors: A Preliminary Study.  Radiological Society of North America 2004 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2004 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2004/4404392.html