Radiation-free and injection-free imaging of the paediatric chest using a magnetic resonance imaging protocol including zero time echo sequence (3D-ZTE)

Computed tomography (CT) is commonly used for paediatric thoracic diseases but involves radiation exposure and often requires intravenous contrast. We evaluated the performance of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol including a 3D zero echo time (3D-ZTE) sequence for radiation-free and contrast-free imaging of the paediatric chest. In this prospective, single-centre study, children aged 6–16 years underwent chest CT and MRI within 48 h. CT and MRI exams were independently assessed by two paediatric radiologists. The primary outcome was the image quality of the 3D-ZTE sequence using a scoring system based on the acceptability of the images obtained and visibility of bronchial structures, vessels and fissures. Secondary outcomes included radiologists’ ability to detect lung lesions on 3D-ZTE MRI images compared with CT images. Seventy-two children were included. Overall, the image quality achieved with the 3D-ZTE MRI sequence was inferior to that of CT for visualising pulmonary structures, with satisfactory lung image quality observed for 81.9% (59/72) and 100% (72/72) of patients, respectively. However, MRI sensitivity was excellent (above 90%) for the detection of certain lesions such as lung consolidation, proximal mucoid impactions, pulmonary cysts, ground glass opacities and honeycombing. Intermodality agreement (MRI versus CT) was consistently higher for the senior reader compared to the junior reader.

Conclusion: Despite its overall lower image quality compared to CT, and the additional years of experience required for accurate interpretation, the 3D-ZTE MRI sequence demonstrated excellent sensitivity for several lesions, making it an appropriate imaging method in certain indications.