Over the past decades, pediatric nutritional disorders have undergone profound shifts in prevalence and clinical presentation. Whereas in some places of the globe malnutrition rates have increased significantly due to poverty expansion, in other places childhood obesity has surged, now affecting a substantial portion of school-aged children. In developed nations, obesity rates are even higher, whereas in developing regions, malnutrition remains a pressing concern. Chronic illnesses, prolonged hospitalizations, and neuropsychiatric conditions are contributors to nutritional deficits. Although radiologic findings have been well documented for some hypovitaminosis, other conditions such as anorexia nervosa and autism have been described in isolated imaging reports. On the other hand, pediatric obesity presents with musculoskeletal (MSK) manifestations and nonspecific pain syndromes that require further scrutiny. In this case presentation we provide an overview of the spectrum of imaging findings associated with pediatric nutritional disorders, whether caused by deficiency or excess. CONTENT ORGANIZATION: 1) Overview and epidemiology of pediatric nutritional disorders that lead to (a) MSK tissue deficiency including different hypovitaminosis, congenital, metabolic and neuromuscular disorders, bone deficiencies, conditions that manifest with gelatinous bone marrow transformation or soft tissue paucity, or (b) MSK tissue excess including genetic and metabolic disorders that manifest with fat overgrowth and hypertrophy syndromes. 2) Imaging findings of MSK bone and soft tissue deficiency or excess by different modalities (conventional radiology, ultrasound, CT, MRI). 3) Pearls, pitfalls and associated clinical findings specific for the described conditions. 4) Review of follow-up imaging considerations. 5) Discussion of the radiologist’s role in managing a child/adolescent with nutritional disorders. SUMMARY: Major teaching points of this case presentation include: 1) Understanding different clinical presentations and key imaging findings that lead to the diagnosis of disorders that manifest with MSK deficiency or excess. 2) Differentiating disorders of either part of the spectrum (deficiency or excess) as an essential component for patients to receive appropriate care in a timely manner. 3) Providing recommendations for imaging follow-up as part of the integrated clinical-laboratory-imaging care of patients with nutritional disorders. Read More

Meeting name: IPR 2026 Congress , 2026

Authors: Ziehe Luis, Schmidt Magdalena, Bedoya M. Alejandra, Doria Andrea

Keywords: Nutrition, Imaging Features

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become an increasingly valuable modality for evaluating pediatric chest pathologies beyond cardiac disease. Its diagnostic spectrum now extends to mediastinal, pulmonary, pleural, and chest wall abnormalities. Although traditionally limited by long acquisition times, motion artefacts, and the challenges of lung parenchyma imaging, recent advances such as ultrashort echo time (UTE), and zero echo time (ZTE) sequences have markedly expanded its clinical utility. This educational poster highlights the applications of MRI across a broad range of pediatric thoracic conditions, including mediastinal masses, congenital lung malformations, pulmonary tumors, infections, inflammatory diseases, and chest wall abnormalities. The mediastinal pathologies are structured according to the standard compartmental classification - prevascular, visceral, and paravertebral - to facilitate a systematic and anatomical approach to interpretation. Drawing on our institutional experience of primary to quaternary referrals, we will present cases to: 1. Review key MRI techniques applicable to pediatric thoracic imaging, including diffusion-weighted and contrast-enhanced imaging, as well as motion-suppression strategies. 2. Demonstrate MRI findings for mediastinal, pulmonary and chest wall pathologies, focusing on lesion characterization and delineation of relationships to adjacent structures and provide pearls and pitfalls for confident interpretation. 3. Discuss the role of MRI in children, given their heightened tissue sensitivity and increased lifetime risk of radiation-induced malignancy. The advantage is even more significant in patients with cancer predisposition syndromes, in whom cumulative radiation exposure is a major concern. 4. Outline practical workflow aspects, including preparation techniques such as feed-and-sleep imaging and child-life involvement, as well as safety considerations for repeated or contrast-enhanced studies. 5. Compare MRI with CT and radiography, underscoring its diagnostic strengths, limitations, and complementary role in specific clinical scenarios. 6. Provide a structured overview and practical framework to support the use of chest MRI in pediatric imaging. This educational overview aims to familiarize radiologists with MRI’s current and evolving role in pediatric thoracic imaging, highlight achievable image quality and diagnostic confidence, and encourage broader clinical adoption of radiation-free chest MRI in children. Read More

Meeting name: IPR 2026 Congress , 2026

Authors: Schmidt Magdalena, Manson David, Zanette Brandon, Chiu Priscilla, Malkin David, Villani Anita, Greer Mary-louise

Keywords: Chest MRI, Lung Imaging, Mediastinum