Literature examining possible deleterious effects of anesthesia exposure on the developing brain has increased substantially over the past 30 years. Initial concerning findings in animal models, both rodents and non-human primates, prompted increasingly thorough examinations in humans, including randomized controlled trials. This review will provide a concise overview of what we know about anesthesia and the developing brain: the background in animal studies, the most robust results we have in humans, and the work yet to be done. This is particularly relevant to a pediatric radiology audience because we have the unique opportunity to modify anesthesia exposure during imaging through innovation.
