Minimizing Radiation Exposure in Evaluation of Pediatric XXXX : Use of Rapid MR Imaging.

@entity1 @entity1545 @entity548 @entity174 @entity542 @entity772 @entity21 @entity2981
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: With >473,000 annual emergency department visits for @entity1 with traumatic @entity1545 in the United States, the risk of ionizing radiation exposure during CT examinations is a real concern. The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of rapid MR imaging to replace CT in the follow-up imaging of @entity1 with @entity542 . MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 103 pediatric @entity1 who underwent initial head CT and subsequent follow-up rapid MR imaging between January 2010 and July 2013 was performed. @entity1 had minor @entity542 (Glasgow @entity772 Scale, >13) that required imaging. Initial head CT was performed, with follow-up rapid MR imaging completed within 48 hours. A board-certified neuroradiologist, blinded to @entity1 information and scan parameters, then independently interpreted the randomized cases. RESULTS: There was almost perfect agreement in the ability to detect extra-axial @entity548 on rapid MR imaging and CT (k = 0.84, P<.001). Evaluation of hemorrhagic @entity2981 /intraparenchymal @entity548 demonstrated a moderate level of agreement between MR imaging and CT (k = 0.61, P < .001). The ability of MR imaging to detect a skull @entity174 also showed a substantial level of agreement with CT (k = 0.71, P < .001). Detection of diffuse @entity21 demonstrated a slight level of agreement between MR imaging and CT (k = 0.154, P = .04). However, the overall predictive agreement for the detection of an @entity21 was 91%. CONCLUSIONS: Rapid MR imaging is a valid technique for detecting traumatic cranial injuries and an adequate examination for follow-up imaging in lieu of repeat CT.
