Contrast enhancement of the growing skeleton: Rationale and optimization in pediatric MRI

Abstract

Optimization of gadolinium-enhanced musculoskeletal MRI warrants special attention to the timing of data acquisition with respect to contrast administration as well as to selecting the appropriate sequences and postprocessing techniques for a given child, for a given anatomical region and for a given clinical problem. Recent advances in contrast-enhancement provide new information, both qualitative and quantitative, on the endochondral growth process and on the mechanisms of neovascularization and revascularization. All of these elements are important in dictating appropriate management. © 2005 Springer-Verlag Italia.