Purpose or Case Report: To illustrate the range of non-neuro pediatric emergencies evaluated by MRI, including abdominal, pelvic, and thoracic pathologies. To highlight technical and logistical considerations unique to emergency pediatric MRI. To review key diagnostic pearls and pitfalls through representative case examples.

Emergency MRI in pediatric patients is increasingly utilized as a radiation-free alternative when ultrasound or CT findings are equivocal. While neuroemergencies dominate MRI use, body MRI plays a critical role in evaluating acute conditions such as appendicitis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, ovarian torsion and pancreatic trauma.
This exhibit presents a curated series of de-identified emergency body MRI cases, emphasizing characteristic imaging features, differential considerations, and clinical relevance. Each case demonstrates how MRI provides superior soft-tissue contrast, precise localization, and improved diagnostic confidence in urgent scenarios.
The poster also addresses practical challenges in performing emergency MRIs in children—scanner availability, need for sedation, patient motion, and interdepartmental coordination. Strategies to overcome these challenges are discussed, including abbreviated MRI protocols, feed-and-sleep methods, and child-life support to reduce sedation dependence.
Illustrative examples highlight both successful and technically challenging studies, reinforcing key teaching points such as motion artifact mitigation and protocol selection for specific clinical questions.
Methods & Materials:
Results:
Conclusions: Emergency body MRI in pediatric patients provides critical diagnostic information across a broad spectrum of pathologies and can often obviate the need for CT. With optimized protocols and workflow planning, it is feasible to achieve timely, high-quality imaging without radiation exposure. Awareness of the radiologic appearances, pitfalls, and logistical considerations enhances diagnostic accuracy and service efficiency in the pediatric emergency setting.