Brain DSC MR Perfusion in Children: A Clinical Feasibility Study Using Different Technical Standards of Contrast Administration

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Dynamic susceptibility contrast MR perfusion imaging has limited results in children due to difficulties in reproducing technical standards derived from adults. This prospective, multicenter study aimed to determine DSC feasibility and quality in children using custom administration of a standard dose of gadolinium.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-three consecutive children with brain tumors underwent DSC perfusion with a standard dose of gadobutrol administered by an automated power injector. The location and size of intravenous catheters and gadobutrol volume and flow rates were reported, and local and/or systemic adverse effects were recorded. DSC was qualitatively evaluated by CBV maps and signal intensity–time curves and quantitatively by the percentage of signal drop and full width at half-maximum, and the data were compared with the standards reported for adults. Quantitative data were grouped by flow rate, and differences among groups were assessed by analysis of covariance and tested for statistical significance with a t test.

RESULTS: No local or systemic adverse events were recorded independent of catheter location (63 arm, 14 hand, 6 foot), size (24–18 ga), and flow rates (1–5 mL/s). High-quality CBV maps and signal intensity–time curves were achieved in all patients, and quantitative evaluations were equal or superior to those reported for adults. No significant differences (P ≥ .05) were identified among the higher-flow-rate groups in the quantitative data.

CONCLUSIONS: A custom administration of a standard dose of gadobutrol allows safe and high-quality DSC MR perfusion imaging in children.