Stefan Bluml

This presentation is intended for MR technologists with interest in clinical application of MR spectroscopy for pediatric brain tumors. It provides an overview of basic principles of spectroscopy as well as practical advice when acquiring spectra in a clinical setting with emphasis on the need for consistency. Possible artifacts and pitfalls frequently encountered in the pediatric population will be discussed. 

Mai-Lan Ho

This talk will cover MRI of brain development, including age-related neurodevelopment, normal variants, and diagnostic pitfalls, and key findings in neurogenetic disorders. We will review key mechanisms of pediatric brain development based on major embryologic steps including dorsal induction, ventral induction, formation of midline commissures, migration, and organization. We will cover MRI of fetal, perinatal, and postnatal development, including myelination, sulcation, basal ganglia, pituitary, and ventricular findings. Multiple imaging examples of congenital brain malformations will be presented, linking MRI findings to underlying derangements of neurodevelopmental processes.

Marty Sherriff

Imaging pediatric patients provides a unique imaging challenge for Technologists and Radiographers.  Pediatrics imaging requires Technologist and Radiographers to have multiple ‘tools’ at their disposal to mitigate/reduce motion artifacts, achieve uniform fat suppression and provide imaging in a timely manner. Imaging the esophagus, which can be quickly damaged after an ingestion of the button battery, is surrounded by numerous organs (heart and lungs), blood vessels and airways.  Compensating for air tissue interface susceptibility, reduction of motion from vessels and respiration, adapting coil configurations to the size of the patient.