Pediatric musculoskeletal imaging at 3 Tesla

Abstract

High signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the ability to acquire high-resolution thin section images are major advantages of 3 Tesla (T) that benefit musculoskeletal (MSK) imaging. Use of 3 T for pediatric MSK imaging is still in its early phase, and actual clinical benefits are not yet clear. However, initial reports in adult and our experience suggest that 3 T is better in imaging cartilage and small joints. It provides good quality images even for small field of views, which is advantageous in children. It shows cartilage, ligaments, and nerves better. After optimization, overall examination time is shorter at 3 T, which has the potential to reduce the need for sedation and increase throughput. 3-T imaging has the potential to improve small lesion evaluation and tumor staging, and it can be used for whole-body screening for metastasis. We discuss the technical differences, artifacts, and safety issues of 3 T, followed by our initial clinical experience with illustrative examples in pediatric MSK imaging at 3 T.