PET/MR of pediatric bone tumors: what the radiologist needs to know

Integrated 2-deoxy-2-[fluorine-18]fluoro-d-glucose (F-18-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can provide one stop local tumor and whole-body staging in one session, thereby streamlining imaging evaluations and avoiding duplicate anesthesia in young children. F-18-FDG PET/MR scans have the benefit of lower radiation, superior soft tissue contrast, and increased patient convenience compared to F-18-FDG PET/computerized tomography scans. This article reviews the F-18-FDG PET/MR imaging technique, reporting requirements, and imaging characteristics of the most common pediatric bone tumors, including osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, primary bone lymphoma, bone and bone marrow metastases, and Langerhans cell histiocytosis.

Automated summary

Integrated F-18-FDG PET/MR imaging technique allows for comprehensive staging of cancer in one session, optimizing imaging evaluations and avoiding the need for repetitive anesthesia in young children.