Pediatric MRI: Challenges and Opportunities
Pediatric MRI: Challenges and Opportunities is organized by eRADIMAGING.
Release Date: 1/19/2022
Expiration Date: 2/1/2025
Course Description:
A number of factors have contributed to the increased demand and utilization of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a diagnostic tool specifically amongst the pediatric patient population. As technology advances and image quality follows, the exquisite soft-tissue contrast offered distinctively by MRI carries heightened diagnostic value when imaging smaller anatomical structures. Advances have decreased scan times, making MRI a more practical tool for patients less prone to remain still for longer periods of time. Advanced imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) can also offer excellent image quality, but exposes children to ionizing radiation at an age of rapid cell division. This course will outline specific challenges in imaging pediatric patients as well as strategies and techniques to achieve a successful study based on the patient's age and physical and cognitive abilities. The use of a mock MRI and its benefits for younger pediatric patients will be discussed. Techniques to avoid using general anesthesia to achieve a successful study will be reviewed as well as protocols and imaging techniques based on the patient's age, weight, and height. The advantages and disadvantages of scanner field strengths versus scan time will be weighed, and various pulse sequences, breath-holding techniques, slice sizes, and nomenclature and protocols across multiple MRI equipment brands will be outlined.
Learning Objectives:
After completing this course, the participant should be able to:
IDENTIFY ways to overcome pediatric-specific challenges and safety concerns with MRI scanning.
OUTLINE the benefits of sedation as well as the downside and risks which necessitates strategies to avoid sedation.
RECALL the significance of age-appropriate communication and preparation in decreasing the need for sedation.
IDENTIFY the importance of child life specialists while acknowledging their role in preparing pediatric patients for a mock MRI.
EXPLAIN the scanning techniques used to alleviate motion and accelerate acquisition time in pediatric MRI.DISTINGUISH the tradeoffs between various pulse sequences that are beneficial in pediatric MRI.
Additional details will be posted as soon as information is available.