Fast MRI Instead of CT for Traumatic Brain Injury in Children?

Fast MRI is likely feasible and relatively accurate in certain settings.

To assess fast MRI for evaluating suspected traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children, researchers conducted a prospective cohort study at a level I pediatric trauma center. Over 4 years they enrolled 225 patients with potential TBI who were <6 years old and underwent both computed tomography (CT) and fast MRI. No additional sedation was used to facilitate fast MRI.

Of the 225 patients, 223 (99%) were able to complete the fast MRI, with an average image completion time of 365 seconds; corresponding time for CT was 59 seconds. Median time between performance of CT and MRI was 243 minutes. CT identified TBI (hemorrhage, contusion, pneumocephalus, shear, diffuse axonal injury, or skull fracture) in 111 patients. The most common injuries were sku…

Reviewing Author

Carolyn K. Holland, MD, MEd, FACEP, FAAP

Disclosures

EquityGeneral Electric

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine (Program Committee Chief Resident Forum Subcommittee Chair); American College of Emergency Physicians (Education Committee member)

Carolyn K. Holland, MD, MEd, FACEP, FAAP

Disclosures

EquityGeneral Electric

Fast MRI Instead of CT for Traumatic Brain Injury in Children?

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Reviewing Author