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Pediatric Radiology

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01-05-2019 | Magnetic Resonance Imaging | Original Article

Visualization of the normal appendix in children: feasibility of a single contrast-enhanced radial gradient recalled echo MRI sequence

Authors: Shailee V. Lala, Naomi Strubel, Nicole Nocera, Mark E. Bittman, Nancy R. Fefferman

Published in: Pediatric Radiology | Issue 6/2019

Abstract

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment for appendicitis is limited by exam time and patient cooperation. The radially sampled 3-dimensional (3-D) T1-weighted, gradient recalled echo sequence (radial GRE) is a free-breathing, motion robust sequence that may be useful in evaluating appendicitis in children.

Objective

To compare the rate of detection of the normal appendix with contrast-enhanced radial GRE versus contrast-enhanced 3-D GRE and a multi-sequence study including contrast-enhanced radial GRE.

Materials and methods

This was a retrospective study of patients ages 7–18 years undergoing abdominal-pelvic contrast-enhanced MRI between Jan. 1, 2012, and April 1, 2016. Visualization of the appendix was assessed by consensus between two pediatric radiologists. The rate of detection of the appendix for each sequence and combination of sequences was compared using a McNemar test.

Results

The rate of detection of the normal appendix on contrast-enhanced radial GRE was significantly higher than on contrast-enhanced 3-D GRE (76% vs. 57.3%, P=0.003). The rate of detection of the normal appendix with multi-sequence MRI including contrast-enhanced radial GRE was significantly higher than on contrast-enhanced 3-D GRE (81.3% vs. 57%, P<0.001). There was no significant difference between the rate of detection of the normal appendix on contrast-enhanced radial GRE alone and multi-sequence MRI including contrast-enhanced radial GRE (76% vs. 81.3%, P=0.267).

Conclusion

Contrast-enhanced radial GRE allows superior detection of the normal appendix compared to contrast-enhanced 3-D GRE. The rate of detection of the normal appendix on contrast-enhanced radial GRE alone is nearly as good as when the contrast-enhanced radial GRE is interpreted with additional sequences.

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Title: Visualization of the normal appendix in children: feasibility of a single contrast-enhanced radial gradient recalled echo MRI sequence
Authors: Shailee V. Lala
Naomi Strubel
Nicole Nocera
Mark E. Bittman
Nancy R. Fefferman
Publication date: 01-05-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Appendicitis
Appendicitis
Published in: Pediatric Radiology / Issue 6/2019
Print ISSN: 0301-0449
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1998
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-019-04352-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Visualization of the normal appendix in children: feasibility of a single contrast-enhanced radial gradient recalled echo MRI sequence

Abstract

Background

Objective

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

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