Recent advancements in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are transforming the diagnosis of pediatric thoracic diseases by providing detailed, radiation-free imaging solutions.
Pediatric radiologists face a challenge: while computed tomography (CT) offers detailed views of thoracic anatomy, its use of ionizing radiation raises safety concerns for children who need repeated imaging. Updates from the European Congress of Radiology highlighted MRI's progress as a reliable, radiation-free method that provides high-resolution thoracic evaluations without ionizing exposure ESR 2025 updates.
Historically, lung MRI has been hampered by low proton density and motion artifacts from heart and lung movements. However, recent advancements in MRI technology, like optimized thoracic coils and PROPELLER sequences, now provide enhanced soft-tissue contrast and better resistance to artifacts, boosting diagnostic confidence in pediatric thoracic evaluations.
Motion management techniques have also improved. The feed and wrap approach aids in achieving the stillness needed for high-quality imaging in infants without sedation. In addition, iterative motion‐compensation reconstruction ultra-short TE (iMoCo UTE) employs self-navigation, motion modeling, and compressed sensing reconstruction to reduce respiratory motion and cut down scan times.
For the repeated evaluation of chronic thoracic conditions, radiation-free imaging techniques offer safer continuous monitoring by eliminating the risks associated with cumulative radiation. While 3D-ZTE MRI sequences are particularly sensitive for detecting pulmonary lesions, they may not match CT in spatial resolution, which is a crucial consideration when tailoring imaging protocols for pediatric patients.
These technological enhancements not only improve patient safety and comfort by reducing the need for sedation, but they also represent a shift in practice as MRI scan times decrease and workflow integration becomes more feasible in pediatric radiology facilities.