Nonanesthesia Magnetic Resonance Enterography in Young Children: Feasibility, Technique, and Performance

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the effectiveness and cost savings of a nonanesthesia approach to magnetic resonance enterography (MIRE) in 14 young pediatric patients (age 4-7 years) with clinically suspected early-onset inflammatory bowel disease using an MIRE protocol. Methods: MIRE was performed using a combination of an abbreviated imaging protocol, magnetic resonance imaging video goggles, and Child Life Services support. MIRE results were correlated with both colonoscopy and pathology results using Pearson correlation coefficient. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated. Results: MIRE was performed successfully in 13 of 14 patients (age range 4 years 0 months to 7 years 6 months). MIRE findings matched with results in 12 of 13 patients in whom colonoscopy was successfully performed. Both MIRE and colonoscopy demonstrated a high specificity (100%) and a positive predictive value (100%), but a low sensitivity (43%) and a negative predictive value (50%). Conclusions: MIRE can be successfully performed in children ages 4 to 7 years using this approach. In addition to decreased risks to the child, the lack of anesthesia also offers a potential overall cost reduction.