PET/MR is a valuable and growing imaging method for the assessment and management of pediatric bone tumors. Although plain radiography remains the first line modality for initial evaluation, cross sectional imaging is often required for further characterization of indeterminate or aggressive appearing lesions. Due to its superior soft tissue contrast resolution compared to CT, MR has become the mainstay in tissue characterization, locoregional staging, and surgical planning of pediatric bone tumors. By adding functional and metabolic information, FDG-PET imaging is useful for “one stop” local tumor and whole-body staging, evaluating response to therapy and surveillance. 18F-FDG PET/MR scans have the benefit of lower radiation and increased patient convenience compared to 18F-FDG PET/CT scans. However, due to the relatively recent development of this technology, many radiologists may be unfamiliar with the technical considerations and interpretation pearls and pitfalls of PET/MR. This educational exhibit reviews the imaging technique, reporting requirements, and imaging characteristics of the most common pediatric bone tumors with 18F-FDG PET/MR. Read More

Meeting name: SPR 2019 Annual Meeting & Postgraduate Course , 2019

Authors: Farrell Crystal, Pareek Anuj, Muehe Anne, Pribnow Allison, Steffner Robert, Avedian Raffi, Daldrup-link Heike

Keywords: PET/MR, bone tumor, cancer