Abdominal tumours in children: A comparison between MRI and US

Twenty-one children with predominantly solid tumours detected by US were also examined by MRI (7 neuroblastomas, 2 Wilms tumours, 3 hepatoblastomas, 2 germinal cell tumours, 1 ganglioneuroblastoma, 1 gangliocytoma, 1 Cushing's adenoma, 1 phaeochromocytoma, 1 retroperitoneal rhabdomyosarcoma, 1 diffuse lymphangiectasia of a kidney, 1 splenunculus). The findings from both methods were compared with respect to the identification of the organ involved, extent of the tumour, effect on neighbouring structures and tissue characteristics. US and MRI were of equal value in defining the origin of the lesion and in demonstrating pathological enlargement of lymph nodes. Exact tumour extent could be better demonstrated with MRI because of the ability to perform multiplanar sections and to demonstrate intrathoracic and intraspinal spread. MRI was superior in 9 cases in demonstrating tumour structure and in 6 cases in the evaluation of vascular involvement and vascular anatomy. MRI is therefore recommended as an additional method to US for diagnosis and for treatment planning. (orig.)