When is Gd-DPTA essential in the evaluation of the pediatric brain

With the recent release of Gd-DTPA, and because children demonstrate a different spectrum of brain pathology than do adults, it is imperative to know the uses of Gd-DTPA in the pediatric population. Fourteen children (aged 2 - 17 years) with suspected brain lesions were evaluated both prior to and after administration of 0.01 mmol/kg of Gd-DTPA. Gd-DTPA is helpful in localizing areas of viable tumor before biopsy. It is useful in showing the presence or absence of tumors in children with tuberous sclerosis or neurofibromatosis. Due to its ability to demonstrate leptomeningeal spread of disease, it helps in tumor staging and is useful in distinguishing residual or recurrent tumor from postoperative findings in postsurgical patients