Table 2.

Practical suggestions for pediatric MRI: equipment and protocol.

TECHNICAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Select protocol sequences and parameters on a patient-by-patient basis Use the smallest coil possible to maximize SNR Minimize the examination time Perform the most critical sequences first Key sequences: T1/T2, fast spin echo, gradient echo, FLAIR/STIR/diffusion Slice thickness: Brain: <1-year-old: 3–4 mm, school-age children: 4–5 mm Orbits: 2–3 mm Spine: 3 mm Pituitary: 2–3 mm Body: 4–6 mm Musculoskeletal system: 3–5 mm Angiographic sequences: 1–2 mm Keep voxel size large enough for adequate SNR
PATIENT CARE RECOMMENDATIONS
Use ear plugs or headphones to protect the patient’s ears Apply anesthetic cream to reduce pain at venipuncture site Encourage natural sleep to reduce anxiety and movement Sedation/GA, if required, should follow local guidelines An adult family member should accompany the child during the scan

Abbreviations: FLAIR, fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery; GA, general anesthesia; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging; SNR, signal-to-noise ratio; STIR, short inversion-time inversion recovery; T, Tesla.