Whole-Body MRI in Children: Concepts and Controversies-AJR Expert Panel Narrative Review
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-2025
Identifier
DOI: 10.2214/AJR.24.32178
Abstract
The use of whole-body MRI (WBMRI) in children, from infancy to adolescence, has expanded rapidly over the past decade, with increasing uptake and a broadening range of clinical indications. Current indications include screening for presymptomatic lesions in cancer predisposition syndromes; tumor staging in known malignancies; investigating fevers of unknown origin; as well as diagnosing and monitoring rheumatologic diseases, vascular anomalies, and neuromuscular disorders. This AJR Expert Panel Narrative Review aims to offer a comprehensive discussion of WBMRI in pediatric patients, exploring protocols and other technical considerations, clinical indications, implementation challenges and troubleshooting, as well as controversies in widespread adoption, while considering emerging trends and directions. Commonalities and variations in WBMRI protocols across indications and institutions are presented, highlighting the need for greater standardization. Barriers to WBMRI access, particularly in resource-limited settings, are considered, along with potential solutions. The available evidence regarding potential patient benefit from WBMRI across various applications is summarized.
Journal Title
AJR. American journal of roentgenology
Volume
225
Issue
1
First Page
2432178
Last Page
2432178
MeSH Keywords
Humans; Whole Body Imaging; Child; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Adolescent; Infant; Child, Preschool; Neoplasms
PubMed ID
39772586
Keywords
cancer; inflammatory arthropathies; pediatric; postmortem; screening; whole-body MRI
Recommended Citation
Gallo-Bernal S, Chan SS, Cho YY, et al. Whole-Body MRI in Children: Concepts and Controversies-AJR Expert Panel Narrative Review. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2025;225(1):e2432178. doi:10.2214/AJR.24.32178
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