Pediatric magnetic resonance angiography: to contrast or not to contrast

Magnetic resonance (MR) angiography and MR venography imaging with contrast and non-contrast techniques are widely used for pediatric vascular imaging. However, as with any MRI examination, imaging the pediatric population can be challenging because of patient motion, which sometimes requires sedation. There are multiple benefits of non-contrast MR angiographic techniques, including the ability to repeat sequences if motion is present, the decreased need for sedation, and avoidance of potential risks associated with gadolinium administration and radiation exposure. Thus, MR angiography is an attractive alternative to CT or conventional catheter-based angiography in pediatric populations. Contrast-enhanced MR angiographic techniques have the advantage of increased signal to noise. Blood pool imaging allows long imaging times that result in high-spatial-resolution imaging, and thus high-quality diagnostic images. This article outlines the technique details, indications, benefits and downsides of non-contrast-enhanced and contrast-enhanced MR angiographic techniques to assist in protocol decision-making.