Strategies to Reduce the Use of Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents for Abdominal MRI in Children.

The objective of this article is to review strategies to reduce the use of gadolinium-based contrast agents for pediatric abdominal MRI. Alternative contrast agents that do not contain gadolinium and unenhanced pediatric abdominal MRI protocols have shown clinical utility. Sequences such as DWI and new multicontrast MRI pulse sequences offer promise for tissue characterization without IV contrast agents.

MRI Techniques to Decrease Imaging Times in Children.

Long acquisition times can limit the use of MRI in pediatric patients, and the use of sedation or general anesthesia is frequently necessary to facilitate diagnostic examinations. The use of sedation or anesthesia has disadvantages including increased cost and imaging time and potential risks to the patient. Reductions in imaging time may decrease or eliminate the need for sedation or general anesthesia.