Feasibility of rapid magnetic resonance imaging (rMRI) for the emergency evaluation of suspected pediatric orbital cellulitis.

Purpose: To determine the feasibility of noncontrast rapid magnetic resonance imaging (rMRI), compared with traditional contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) in assessing pediatric emergency department patients with suspected orbital cellulitis or orbital abscess.

Methods: All subjects <19 years of age who presented emergently with suspected orbital cellulitis from July 1, 2017, to July 31, 2019, were included. Participants received both the standard contrast orbital CT, if deemed necessary, with the addition of the noncontrast rMRI after informed consent was obtained.