Role of magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosis of pediatric bone tumors

Abstract

ObjectivesTo evaluate the diagnostic effect of MRI in pediatric patients with suspected bone tumors and other bone pathologies.BackgroundBony lesions in pediatric age group is a frequent cause of pain and swelling. MRI is used to evaluate such patients, and information delivered by MRI is used to diagnose these lesions, whether benign or malignant. In addition, information delivered by MRI is used to guide biopsy procedure.Patients and methodsThis was a prospective study that included 50 patients. All were referred to the MRI unit in the diagnostic Radiology Department at Menoufia University Hospital from Menoufia University Hospital clinics and private clinics from June 2015 to November 2018.ResultsOur study revealed that MRI plays a sensitive diagnostic role in most cases not solved by plain radiography, for example, characterization of bony lesions like fatty content, cysts with and without fluid–fluid levels, and cartilaginous matrix, and also in aggressive bone lesions, MRI is used for locoregional staging and noninvasive evaluation of response to neoadjuvant treatment.ConclusionMRI is a sensitive and specific tool in primary detection and staging of pediatric bone tumors and tumor-like conditions. MRI helps guide biopsy from the soft tissue components and increases the chance of obtaining a definitive diagnostic result.