Will PET/MR Imaging Replace PET/CT for Pediatric Applications?

TL;DR

PET/MR imaging offers better diagnostic capabilities and reduced radiation for children compared to PET/CT, especially in oncology, neurology, and cardiology.

Contribution

This review evaluates the potential of PET/MR to replace PET/CT in pediatric diagnostics by highlighting its benefits and emerging applications.

Findings

PET/MR provides high-resolution images and metabolic data for better pediatric disease diagnosis.

PET/MR reduces radiation exposure and the need for multiple scans in children.

PET/MR improves therapeutic planning and treatment monitoring in pediatric patients.

Abstract

The combination of positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a modern, highly advanced diagnostic tool that offers numerous advantages in the treatment and management of some pediatric pathologies. The use of PET/MR in children provides high-resolution images with outstanding tissue characterization, as well as important metabolic and physiological information; it is not only essential for early diagnosis, but also for the assessment and management of oncological, neurological, and cardiovascular diseases. The hybrid PET/MR is a multimodal approach that reduces the need for separate examinations, minimizes radiation exposure, and improves the overall experience for pediatric patients. In addition, PET/MR, by combining functional data, allows for more precise therapeutic planning and monitoring of treatment responses, optimizing clinical interventions especially with regard to staging and follow-up. This review will explore the benefits, weaknesses, and emerging applications of PET/MR in pediatric patients.