Whole body MRI in children

In pediatric patients whole body MRI has a relevant impact on both, diagnostic work-up and treatment. Using adapted sequence protocols comprehensive imaging without radiation exposure is possible avoiding additional examinations in many cases. Especially in bone marrow the differentiation between normal and abnormal finding can be difficult, therefore the knowledge of normal maturing of organs is important. Whole body diffusion weighted imaging particularly in neuroblastomas or sarcomas improves the low specificity of conventional MR-protocols. Technical prerequisites, examination protocol and strategies, image interpretation, indications and clinical relevance as well as advantages and disadvantages of whole body MRI will be discussed on the basis of application-oriented cases and the literature.