Susan Palasis

Keywords: Neuro: Brain, Cross-organ: Pediatric

This talk will address the importance of understanding brain maturation to devise diagnostic protocols in neonates and infants. We will discuss basic brain maturational processes seen on neuroimaging from birth to 2 years of age, alongside the risks and limitations of MR. The technique used to minimize motion and avoid sedation during MR examinations will be presented. Brain imaging protocols in this age group need to be targeted to reveal pathology within the immature brain while being mindful of scanner time. Examples of how the specific sequences allow us to detect abnormalities, especially in the trauma setting, will be shown. 

Suraj Serai

Keywords: Image acquisition: Motion correction, Image acquisition: Fast imaging

Emerging MRI motion reduction techniques have promising potential to substantially improve image quality and reduce scan time as well as allow free-breathing acquisition. Motion-reducing free-breathing MRI protocols allow the imaging of pediatrics and geriatrics while they are awake or distracted using movie goggles or other audio-video options. These emerging imaging techniques are suitable for use with certain MR pulse sequences, acquisition planes, age groups, and for specific situations. They also have the potential to decrease exposure to sedation and to paralytics used during intubation and ventilation for patients requiring anesthesia by reducing the scan time and minimizing the motion artifacts.

Weili Lin

Keywords: Neuro: Brain, Neuro: Brain function, Neuro: Brain Connectivity

Extensive efforts have recently focused on creating comprehensive brain charts spanning the human lifespan. These endeavors are driven by the significance of this line of research, the availability of several comprehensive large-scale biomedical databases, and the development of novel tools capable of harmonizing images acquired from various MRI scanners across multiple vendors and imaging parameters.  In this presentation, we will explore critical aspects of lifespan imaging studies, covering study designs, data analysis tools, and recent key findings. Since the approaches for adult studies have been well-established, we will focus on essential considerations when imaging non-sedated pediatric subjects. 

Tamotsu Kamishima, Masatoshi Takahara

Keywords: Musculoskeletal: Joints

We defined early-onset osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) as occurring at age < 12 years, with skeletal maturity < 15 points, and onset within < 1 month. For five cases meeting these criteria, we aim to chronologically observe imaging changes in early-onset OCD and discuss its early pathologies based on MRI findings. Early-onset OCD is presumed to involve loading pressure on the chondral tissue, leading eventually to the influx of synovial fluid/cells into the subchondral bone marrow, deterioration of the subchondral trabeculae, and progression to subchondral bone cysts or sclerosis. The presence of intraarticular ossification complicates the interpretation of findings.