MRI Brain Imaging in Assessment of Pediatric Head Trauma.
Though computed tomography has been the mainstay imaging modality
used in the initial evaluation of pediatric head injury, newer magnetic resonance imaging techniques have proven to be
more sensitive in identifying subtle findings of brain injury.
Specifically, MRI has been used in differentiating subacute and chronic brain injury, and identifying the extent
of encephalopathy, reactive gliosis, and hemorrhage related to the insult. In this literature review, we intend to present the current information about the use and benefits of MR in evaluating pediatric head trauma.
Literature search was done from Medline and PubMed for all peer-reviewed manuscripts from January 1990 and
December 2018 using several keywords. The preceding searches included pediatric head trauma, pediatric TBI, imaging in head trauma, MRI in head
trauma evaluation, and long-term effects of pediatric head trauma. After careful analysis, the most important points were chosen and summarized in this review.
MRI has greater sensitivity in the detection of most types of head injuries, in comparison to CT – except skull fractures. In the setting of
head trauma, MRI provides an imaging modality with a unique ability to provide additional clinical information compared to CT examination.
Trauma is the leading cause of death in children over the age of one, and traumatic brain injury
is the leading cause of death and disability due to trauma, accounting for 70% of fatal injuries.
Radiol Open J. 2019; 3(1): 19-26. doi: 10.17140/ROJ-3-121
