Evaluation of Diagnoses and Clinical Outcomes in Children Undergoing MRI Scans: a Retrospective, Longitudinal Study

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive imaging technique that allows physicians to visualize our anatomy, generating high-quality pictures of our body's internal structure at many different angles. The principle behind MRI, known as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), revolves around hydrogen atoms (or protons) that can be found everywhere in our entire body, such as in bones, blood, organs, skin, muscles and more. Protons have their own magnetic moment and angular momentum, allowing them to spin in a certain direction. By subjecting these spinning protons to a strong magnetic field they will be oriented along the axis of the magnetic field, either with or against the direction of the magnetic field. MRI machines generate this field using a large magnet surrounding the patient. Electric gradient coils allow the strength of the field to be adjustable, usually around 0,5 or 1,5 tesla.

MRI has many advantages compared to other imaging techniques, i.e. CT (computed tomography), including the lack of radiation, the ability to show abnormalities of soft tissues, the ability to visualize blood flow, and contrasting agents that are less likely to cause adverse effects like allergic reactions. There are also some disadvantages or limitations, however: implants or metallic objects inside the body can make images unclear at best or harm the patient at worst; similarly, movements made by the patient can make images unclear as well. Lastly, MRI is a more expensive and slower technique compared to other imaging techniques.

Children undergoing an MRI are often sedated before being placed inside the machine. After the scan is over, the children will be brought to a recovery area, where they can slowly recover from the sedation until they are fully awake again. Some common side effects resulting from the sedation may be vomiting, drowsiness and/or dizziness.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the indications and therapeutical consequences of MRI scans of (young) children undergoing risky remote anaesthesia. The investigators want to aim for a clear indication in children undergoing MRI in the future before undergoing possible unnecessary procedures and MRI scans.