Imaging of central nervous system tumors in children: advances and limitations

• Published in: Journal of child neurology Vol. 23; no. 10; p. 1128
• Main Author: Vézina, Louis-Gilbert
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.10.2008
• Subjects: Central Nervous System - pathology; Central Nervous System Neoplasms - diagnosis; Central Nervous System Neoplasms - therapy; Child; Contrast Media; Diagnosis, Differential; Diagnostic Imaging - methods; Diagnostic Imaging - trends; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging - methods; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Angiography - methods; Magnetic Resonance Imaging - methods; Magnetic Resonance Imaging - trends; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy - methods; Predictive Value of Tests
• ISSN: 1708-8283
• DOI: 10.1177/0883073808320753

Magnetic resonance technology is continually improving. Functional imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance spectroscopy, perfusion imaging, diffusion imaging, and diffusion tensor imaging are increasingly used in the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors in children. However, estimate of tumor size remains the primary imaging endpoint in the evaluation of response to treatment, and validation across institutions and vendor platforms of magnetic resonance imaging functional parameters is necessary given the relatively uncommon occurrence of brain tumors in children. Pediatric neuroimaging can be challenging, and the optimal way to image children with tumors of the central nervous system is not uniformly applied across all centers. Application of proper scanning techniques and validation of functional imaging techniques should lead to improved care of children with central nervous system tumors.