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OBJECTIVES Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lungs is challenging for several reasons, mainly due to the respiratory motion, low proton density, and rapid T2* decay. Recent MR sequences with ultrashort TE (UTE) coupled with respiratory compensation promise to overcome these obstacles. So far, there are very few studies on the relevance of these sequences in children. The aim of the study was to compare the diagnostic value of a respiratory-self-gated three-dimensional UTE sequence versus a conventional respiratory-triggered T2-weighted turbo spin echo (T2-TSE) sequence in a pediatric collective. STUDY DESIGN Seventy-one patients between 0 and 18 years of age, who were scheduled for a thoracic MRI based on diverse clinical indications, were examined on a 3T MRI system. The UTE and T2-TSE sequences were evaluated by two readers regarding quality features and visualization of eight common pathology patterns. RESULTS The image quality of both sequences was equally high, with UTE depicting pleural and central bronchi more clearly. In pathologies, UTE was superior to T2-TSE for so-called "MR-negative pathologies", significant for air trapping, and in tendency for bullae and cysts. In all remaining pathologies, T2-TSE proved to be at least equivalent to UTE. CONCLUSIONS At present, UTE cannot serve as a universal replacement for conventional T2-TSE for all pathologies. It yields, however, a substantial benefit in the context of hyperinflation, emphysema, cysts, or pathologies of the bronchial system.

ZUSAMMENFASSUNGDie Trichterbrust ist die häufigste Form der Brustwanddeformitäten. Die Therapieentscheidung erfolgt stets gemeinsam zwischen Patient, den Eltern und dem Chirurgen in wiederholten Gesprächen. Die nicht-invasive Saugglockentherapie stellt für Kinder, welche die Kriterien für eine operative Korrektur nicht erfüllen oder eine chirurgische Therapie ablehnen, eine gute Alternative dar und birgt keine Gefahren. Seit Einführung der minimalinvasiven Trichterbrustkorrektur (MIRPE) hat die Anzahl von Patienten, die eine operative Korrektur Ihrer PE wünschen, deutlich zugenommen. Die Ergebnisse der operativen Korrektur zeigen neben einer hohen Patientenzufriedenheit mit dem kosmetischen Ergebnis auch eine verbesserte Herzleistung und Sauerstoffaufnahmekapazität. Obwohl die MIRPE in erfahrenen Händen sicher und effektiv ist, sind ernsthafte lebensbedrohliche Komplikationen möglich.Zur Behandlung der Kielbrust ist die nicht-invasive Kompressionstherapie Therapie der Wahl. Dies gilt besonders für die dynamische Kompressionstherapie, welche eine objektive Messung und Einstellung der notwendigen Therapiedrücke, ein laterales Ausweichen der Thoraxwand und individuelle Anpassung ermöglicht. Der Therapieerfolg der Kompressionstherapie liegt „in der Hand des Patienten“. Eine operative Korrektur sollte nur nach nicht erfolgreicher Kompressionstherapie oder bei unbedingtem Patientenwunsch erfolgen.

Background Conventional MRI sequences are often affected in neuropediatric imaging by unavoidable movements. Therefore, children younger than 6 years usually have to be examined under sedation/anesthesia. A new real-time MRI technique with automatic slice advancement allows for motion-robust T2-weighted volume coverage of the whole brain within a few seconds in adults. Objective To evaluate to which extent the new volume coverage method can be used to visualize cerebrospinal fluid and reduce the need for anesthesia in children. Materials and methods We assessed 30 children ages 6 years and younger with suspected or proven hydrocephalus, hygroma or macrocephalus using volume coverage sequences with 20 slices per second in three planes. If necessary, a parent was placed in the bore together with the child for calming and gentle immobilization. We compared visualization of cerebrospinal fluid spaces and course of the shunt catheter in volume coverage sequences vs. fast spin-echo sequences. Results The clinical issue could be sufficiently assessed in all children with use of volume coverage sequences, whereas conventional fast spin-echo sequences performed moderately to poorly. Visualization of the tip of a shunt failed in 16% of volume coverage scans and 27% of turbo spin-echo scans. A subsequent examination under anesthesia was never necessary. None of the examinations had to be stopped prematurely. Conclusion The motion-robust volume coverage sequences with T2-type contrast can be used to avoid sedation of children in the evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid spaces, even in the presence of vigorous motion. For other indications and contrasts, the technique must still be evaluated.

ZusammenfassungDie Ösophagusatresie (ÖA) ist eine angeborene Kontinuitätsunterbrechung der Speiseröhre mit oder ohne Fistel zur Trachea (Tracheoösophageale Fistel, TÖF). Je nach Abstand zwischen den beiden Ösophagusenden unterscheidet man eine „kurzstreckige“ von einer „langstreckigen“ Form. Bis zu 50% der Neugeborenen weisen weitere Anomalien auf. Eine pränatale Diagnose der ÖA gelingt in 32–63% der Fälle. Die interdisziplinäre Betreuung dieser Kinder hat sich in den letzten Jahren gewandelt. In der folgenden Arbeit wird die aktuelle S2K-Leitlinie der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Kinderchirurgie zur Behandlung der ÖA mit unterer TÖF, die etwa 90% aller Fälle ausmacht, zusammengefasst. Hierzu gehören das präoperative Management sowie operative und anästhesiologische Aspekte (u. a. Thorakoskopie vs. Thorakotomie, präoperative Tracheobronchoskopie, intraoperative Hyperkapnie und Azidose). Ferner wird das postoperative Management insbesondere von relevanten Komplikationen wie der Anastomosenstenose beschrieben. Trotz Fortschritten in der Behandlung der ÖA ist die Langzeitmorbidität mit Motilitätsstörungen des Ösophagus, gastroösophagealer Refluxkrankheit, rezidivierenden Infektionen der oberen und unteren Atemwege, Tracheomalazie, mangelhaftem Gedeihen sowie orthopädischen Problemen nach Thorakotomie weiterhin hoch. Zum Erreichen einer guten Lebensqualität ist daher eine gute interdisziplinäre Nachsorge wichtig.

Lung MRI makes it possible to replace up to 90% of CT examinations with radiation-free magnetic resonance diagnostics of the lungs without suffering any diagnostic loss. The individual radiation exposure can thus be relevantly reduced. This applies in particular to children who repeatedly require sectional imaging of the lung, e.g., in tumor surveillance or in chronic lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis. In this paper we discuss various factors that favor the establishment of lung MRI in the clinical setting. Among the many sequences proposed for lung imaging, respiration-triggered T2-W turbo spin-echo (TSE) sequences have been established as a good standard for children. Additional sequences are mostly dispensable. The most important pulmonary findings are demonstrated here in the form of a detailed pictorial essay. T1-weighted gradient echo sequences with ultrashort echo time are a new option. These sequences anticipate signal loss in the lung and deliver CT-like images with high spatial resolution. When using self-gated T1-W ultrashort echo time 3-D sequences that acquire iso-voxel geometry in the sub-millimeter range, secondary reconstructions are possible. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00247-019-04594-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Aim In 2015, the revised International Pediatric Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Staging System was published. It mentions [18F]-FDG-PET/MRI as the latest method to perform whole-body imaging. However, supporting data are pending. Our aim was to investigate the performance of whole-body [18F]-FDG-PET/MRI in pediatric non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients by using a limited number of MRI sequences. Materials and methods Ten pediatric patients with histologically proven non-Hodgkin lymphoma underwent whole-body [18F]-FDG-PET/MRI at staging. The retrospective analysis included three steps: First, [18F]-FDG-PET and MR scans were evaluated separately by a nuclear medicine physician and a pediatric radiologist. Nineteen nodal and two extranodal regions as well as six organs were checked for involvement. Second, discrepant findings were reviewed together in order to reach consensus. Third, [18F]-FDG-PET/MRI findings were correlated with the results of other clinical investigations. Results Of the 190 lymph node regions evaluated, four were rated controversial. Consensus was reached by considering metabolic, functional and morphologic information combined. Concordantly, [18F]-FDG-PET and MRI detected Waldeyer’s ring involvement in two patients whose Waldeyer’s ring was negative on clinical assessment. In four patients MRI showed pleural effusion. However, in only two of them an increased glucose metabolism as a reliable sign of pleural involvement was detectable. In six patients [18F]-FDG-PET and MRI detected skeletal lesions although bone marrow biopsy was positive in only one of them. Conclusion Despite the small number of cases evaluated, whole-body [18F]-FDG-PET turned out to be a valuable tool for staging of pediatric non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Zystische Raumforderungen im Abdomen stellen einen haufigen Haupt- oder Zufallsbefund im radiologischen Alltag dar, wobei die Differenzierung nicht immer trivial ist. Im Kindesalter stellen zystische abdominale Raumforderungen eine Besonderheit im Vergleich zu Erwachsenen dar, da hier das Spektrum der angeborenen Lasionen mitbedacht werden muss. Der Artikel gibt einen strukturierten Uberblick uber die haufigsten Entitaten. Die Standardmethoden in der Bildgebung des Abdomens sind in der Kinderradiologie der Ultraschall und die MRT. Durch Sichtung der Literatur wurden die wichtigsten Differentialdiagnosen mit ihren Charakteristika im Ultraschall und MRT zusammengestellt. Mit der anatomischen Zuordnung, dem Vorhandensein bzw. Fehlen von soliden Komponenten sowie dem Kontrastmittelverhalten in der MRT konnen die zystischen Raumforderungen gut differenziert und in drei Gruppen eingeteilt werden: angeborene und erworbene Zysten sowie Neoplasien.

Die Kinderradiologie steht heute vor weitreichenden Veränderungen. Basismodalitäten wie Röntgen und Ultraschall werden zunehmend durch neuere, moderne Techniken ergänzt. Dieser Übersichtsartikel stellt Fortschritte in der Kinderradiologie sowie technische Innovationen vor, welche in Zukunft noch größere Bedeutung erlangen könnten. Hierzu werden CT-Dosisreduktionstechniken inklusive der Anwendung künstlicher Intelligenz sowie Fortschritte in den Gebieten der Magnetresonanztomografie und molekularen Bildgebung dargestellt. Kernaussagen

Background COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus infection that can cause a severe respiratory illness and has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Because children appear to be less severely affected than adults, their imaging appearances have not been extensively reported. Objective To systematically review available literature regarding imaging findings in paediatric cases of COVID-19. Materials and methods We searched four databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane, Google Scholar) for articles describing imaging findings in children with COVID-19. We included all modalities, age Results Twenty-two articles were included, reporting chest imaging findings in 431 children, of whom 421 (97.7%) underwent CT. Criteria for imaging were lacking. At diagnosis, 143/421 (34.0%) had a normal CT. Abnormalities were more common in the lower lobes and were predominantly unilateral. The most common imaging pattern was ground-glass opacification (159/255, 62.4%). None of the studies described lymphadenopathy, while pleural effusions were rare (three cases). Improvement at follow-up CT imaging (3–15 days later) was seen in 29/100 (29%), remained normal in 25/100 (25%) and progressed in 9/100 (9%). Conclusion CT chest findings in children with COVID-19 are frequently normal or mild. Lower lobes are predominantly affected by patchy ground-glass opacification. Appearances at follow-up remain normal or improve in the majority of children. Chest CT imaging adds little to the further management of the patient and should be reserved for severe cases or for identifying alternative diagnoses.

Im Wesentlichen stammen Wasseraufbereitungsschlamme (WAB-Schlamme) im Ausmas von etwa 2000 t/a aus dem Stahlwerk LD3 der voestalpine Stahl GmbH in Linz, von wo sie in der dort vorhandenen geschlossenen Kreislaufwasserwirtschaft kontinuierlich auszuschleusen sind. Prozessbedingt reichern sich in diesen Schlammen Zunder und Kohlenwasserstoffe (aus Schmiermitteln) aus den Prozessanlagen des Stahlwerkes an. Kohlenwasserstoffreiche Materialien sind laut Festsetzungsverordnung zum Abfallwirtschaftsgesetz 2002 idgF als gefahrlicher Abfall einzustufen. Derzeit werden diese Materialien mit ihren sehr hohen Eisengehalten unter der Abfallschlusselnummer 54703 in externen Anlagen behandelt bzw. beseitigt. Eine voestalpine-interne Verwertung des Materials ist in der derzeitigen Form nicht moglich, da die hohen Kohlenwasserstoff-Gehalte in der Sinteranlage zu Kontaminationen in der Abluft fuhren. Das vorliegende Gemenge aus verschiedenen Metallen und Kohlenwasserstoffen lasst keine andere vernunftige Verwertung in der Eisen- und Stahlindustrie oder eine Beseitigung als Energietrager zu. Im Zuge einer Zusammenarbeit mit dem Lehrstuhl fur Aufbereitung und Veredlung an der Montanuniversitat Leoben wurde die Moglichkeit der Trennung dieser Materialien im Labor untersucht. Anschliesend wurde auf Basis dieser Erkenntnisse ein gemeinsamer Grosversuch an der bestehenden Flotationseinheit der ARGE Ground Unit in Verbund mit der Sinteranlage der voestalpine Stahl Linz durchgefuhrt. Nach Aufbereitung der Schlamme uber die im Projekt verfugbaren Flotationseinheiten ist eine uberwiegende Verwertung der Reststoffe aus der Aufbereitung am Standort in Linz moglich. Aufgrund der hydrophoben Eigenschaften der Kohlenwasserstoffe ist das Verfahren der Flotation ein optimales Trennverfahren nach dem Stand der Technik. In eigens durchgefuhrten Vorversuchen mit dem WAB-Schlammmaterial wurden bereits Reinigungsleistungen bzw. Entfernung dieser Schadstoffe von bis zu 80 m % erzielt. Durch die flotative Trennung des Metall- und Kohlenwasserstoffinhaltes wird auch eine stoffliche Verwertung dieser Abfalle ermoglicht. Die Menge an gefahrlichen Abfallen kann daher um ca. 80 m % deutlich reduziert werden. Daruber hinaus kann mit der zu errichtenden Flotationsanlage zusatzlich eine Reduzierung des Anteiles hydrophober Stoffe in ahnlichen, gefahrlichen Abfallschlammen abseits von PAK und Quecksilber erzielt werden. Durch die Aufbereitung direkt am Gelande der voestalpine Stahl entfallen als weiterer Umwelteffekt Transporte zu externen Entsorgungsanlagen bzw. Deponiestandorten, und das Unterlaufmaterial mit einem Eisengehalt von etwa 60 % wird einer optimalen internen Verwertung zugefuhrt.

Neonatal hydrocephalus can arise from a multitude of disturbances, among them congenital aqueductal stenosis, myelomeningocele or posthemorrhagic complications in preterm infants. Diagnostic work-up comprises transfontanellar ultrasonography, T2 weighted MRI and clinical assessment for rare inherited syndromes. Classification of hydrocephalus and treatment guidelines is based on detailed consensus statements. The recent evidence favors catheter-based cerebrospinal fluid diversion in children below 6 months, but emerging techniques such as neuroendoscopic lavage carry the potential to lower shunt insertion rates. More long-term study results will be needed to allow for individualized, multidisciplinary decision making. This article gives an overview regarding contemporary pathophysiological concepts, the latest consensus statements and most recent technical developments.

Derzeit wird die sekundarmetallurgische Schlacke der voestalpine Stahl GmbH im Bereich des Stahlwerkes umgeschlagen. Die gesamte anfallende Schlacke wird nach der Abkuhlphase ins Wertstoffzentrum am Standort verfrachtet, um Eisenanteile fur den internen Einsatz zuruckzugewinnen. Die restliche Schlacke wird sowohl intern als Kreislaufstoff (Sinteranlage, Hochofen) als auch extern als Produkt (z. B. Dungemittel) verwertet. In systematischer Vorgehensweise wurden seitens voestalpine Stahl GmbH fur dieses „Nebenprodukt“ alternative Verwertungsmoglichkeiten gesucht und unterschiedliche Moglichkeiten verglichen. Nach einer Analyse des Istzustandes wurde das Rohgut in seiner mineralischen Zusammensetzung auf trenn- und verwertungsrelevante Eigenschaften hin untersucht, sowie Markte fur allfallige Produkte verglichen. Die dazu notwendigen Laboruntersuchungen wurden in Zusammenarbeit mit dem Lehrstuhl fur Aufbereitung und Veredlung der Montanuniversitat Leoben und der Firma ARP Aufbereitung, Recycling und Pruftechnik GesmbH in Donawitz durchgefuhrt. Aus den bisherigen Ergebnissen konnten im Konzept die internen Transportrouten optimiert, eine mineralogische Verwertungsbetrachtung abgeschlossen und ein Anlagenfliesschema mit unterschiedlichen Ausbaustufen unter besonderer Berucksichtigung der Wirtschaftlichkeit erstellt werden. Ersichtlich wird, wie mit klassischen aufbereitungstechnischen Untersuchungsmethoden auch fur mineralische Nebenprodukte in Produktionsbetrieben jene technisch relevanten Erkenntnisse gewonnen werden konnen, die eine Verwertung unter wirtschaftlichen Gesichtspunkten ermoglichen.

Medulloblastomas are the most common central nervous system tumors in childhood. Treatment and prognosis strongly depend on histology and transcriptomic profiling. However, the proliferative potential also has prognostical value. Our study aimed to investigate correlations between histogram profiling of diffusion-weighted images and further microarchitectural features. Seven patients (age median 14.6 years, minimum 2 years, maximum 20 years; 5 male, 2 female) were included in this retrospective study. Using a Matlab-based analysis tool, histogram analysis of whole apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) volumes was performed. ADC entropy revealed a strong inverse correlation with the expression of the proliferation marker Ki67 (r = − 0.962, p = 0.009) and with total nuclear area (r = − 0.888, p = 0.044). Furthermore, ADC percentiles, most of all ADCp90, showed significant correlations with Ki67 expression (r = 0.902, p = 0.036). Diffusion histogram profiling of medulloblastomas provides valuable in vivo information which potentially can be used for risk stratification and prognostication. First of all, entropy revealed to be the most promising imaging biomarker. However, further studies are warranted.

We report the case of a 3-year-old boy who presented with an upper respiratory tract infection and severe dyspnea. A chest X-ray revealed a left-sided tension pneumothorax with mediastinal shift and suspected enterothorax. After thoracic computed tomography (CT) scan, a chest tube was inserted, which drained fluid which had the same consistency and color as the one derived from the nasogastric (NG) tube. The boy underwent diagnostic laparoscopy for suspected bowel perforation, which confirmed a left-sided Bochdalek hernia with herniation of the viscera into the chest. After repositioning of the herniated organs into the abdomen, a gastric perforation was identified and repaired. This case demonstrates that the cause of a tension pneumothorax in an infant may be a rare combination of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and perforation of a visceral hollow organ.

Attainment of local control is a cornerstone in the management of brain tumors in children. Treatment of progressive low-grade and all high-grade gliomas traditionally includes resection followed by fractionated radiotherapy (FRT) or FRT alone in neoplasms not amenable to surgical removal. While in younger children chemotherapy is typically used as a first-line non-surgical management option, FRT in such patients remains the standard of salvage therapy. Recent improvements in techniques for radiation treatment planning and delivery allow conformal and selective coverage of the target volume with a prescribed dose, sparing adjacent normal tissues to assure maximal tumor control and minimal toxicity. Implementation of novel functional and metabolic neuroimaging allows better delineation of the lesion margins and organs at risk, which also reduces the incidence of adverse effects. Further improvements of outcome after radiation treatment of pediatric gliomas may be expected with wider application of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), proton therapy, and stereotactic techniques, including brachytherapy.

Purpose: A highly striated contrast pattern of the kidneys occasionally appears in abdominal MRI examinations of children following the administration of gadolinium. As this phenomenon is well known but has not yet been explicitly described in literature, we investigated how frequently and in which clinical context this occurred. Material and Methods: 855 abdominal MRI examinations with contrast media of 362 children between 2006 and 2014 were analysed retrospectively. Results: A striated renal parenchyma was found in a total of nine children and eleven examinations (1.3 % of examinations) and did only occur at a field strength of 3 Tesla. Of these children, seven had previously had tumors and chemotherapy. In two children there was no evidence of a previously serious condition with medications or a kidney disease. All of them had a normal renal function. Conclusion: A noticeably striated nephrogram in the later phase of an MRI examination following administration of gadolinium may appear as an incidental finding in examinations at 3 Tesla without pathological relevance. Key points: • striated nephrograms may appear at a field strength of 3 Tesla. • incidental finding without pathological relevance. Citation Format: • Strocka S, Sorge I, Ritter L et al. Striated nephrogram as an incidental finding in MRI examination of children. Fortschr Rontgenstr 2016; 188: 69 – 72

Pediatric tumors of the central nervous system composed of oligoid tumor cells showing diffuse leptomeningeal spread without a primary mass lesion seem to represent a novel tumor entity. The terms “diffuse leptomeningeal glioneural tumor” or—preferably—“disseminated oligodendroglial-like leptomeningeal tumor of childhood” (DOGLT) were proposed. Four patients were identified with clinico-neuropathologic findings compatible with DOGLT and a mean follow-up time of 54 months was determined. Seven different biopsies obtained from the four patients were histologically evaluated. Clinical course, diagnostic measures, histopathologic and radiologic features and treatment suggestions were recorded, on the basis of which diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm was proposed. Patients with DOGLT presented with hydrocephalus as first symptom, requiring neurosurgical therapy. Open arachnoid biopsy was necessary to confirm diagnosis. The oligoid cells in a desmoplastic or focally myxoid matrix showed OLIG2-, MAP2-, S-100 and rare HuC/HuD protein-immunopositivity. IDH1 (R132H)- and CD99-immunohistochemistry was negative in all patients. None of the evaluable biopsies of three patients showed chromosome 1p/19q deletion, neither as isolated nor combined allelic loss. Chemotherapy according to the SIOP-LGG 2004 standard induction and consolidation protocol resulted in complete response and partial response, respectively, in 50 % of the patients. However, after discontinuation of chemotherapy, two patients experienced tumor progression and one of them succumbed to the disease after 19 months. Radiological criteria as well as preliminary treatment results are presented after observation of four clinical cases. Prognosis and long-term clinical courses remain to be observed.

Fetofetal transfusion syndrome is a dreaded cause of morbidity and mortality in monochorionic pregnancies. We present two pairs of twins one of which we have followed for more than 6 years. The donors suffer from cerebral palsy, orofacial, and motor problems, and both are significantly smaller than their recipient twins. Interestingly, cranial MRI revealed medial frontal lobe polymicrogyria, ventriculomegaly, and decreased thickness in both parietal lobes in both donors. We suggest this as a possible feature of fetofetal transfusion syndrome. A minireview of the literature on neuroimaging and neurodevelopmental outcome in fetofetal transfusion syndrome is presented. While the close resemblance of the imaging features of both cases is likely incidental further study of a connection between migration and gyration disorders and fetofetal transfusion syndrome is warranted.

Background: After a first afebrile seizure, EEG in addition to cMRI is recommended for pediatric patients. Once indications requiring immediate treatment are excluded, it is of interest to determine if the results provide a prognostic tool for seizure relapses. Methods: Patients aged between 1 month and 18 years who had a first afebrile seizure between 2006 and 2008 were retrospectively studied and monitored for another 48 months. Results: Out of 248 patients, 62.5% had generalized and 36.3% focal seizures. 34.7% of the EEG results were pathological. 176 patients had a cMRI that showed in 23.3% probable epileptogenic lesions. 3 patients with benign cerebral tumours needed surgical therapy. In the following 48 months 29.4% of the children showed seizure relapses. There was a correlation between epileptic patterns in the EEG and further seizures (p=0.0001). However, the sensitivity of the EEG based diagnoses was 0.6, the specificity 0.78 and the positive predictive value 0.52. There was no correlation between epileptogenic lesions and the probability of seizure relapses. The sensitivity of the cMRI to this effect was 0.36, the specificity 0.74 and the positive predictive value 0.34. Discussion: The EEG is superior to cMRI for predicting seizure relapses. The percentage of noticeable cMRI findings is high but this has low therapeutic relevance and is assumed to largely represent "incidental findings". It is important to question the value of MRI investigations for sedated small children except in the case of emergencies. The key question is whether the cMRI should be deployed to diagnose epilepsy, the probability of seizure recurrences or to classify the entity of a most likely epilepsy.

Background: Cushing’s disease is very rare in children, and the diagnosis is frequently delayed by several years. Objective: We report a case of prepubertal Cushing’s disease with a medical history of only 9 months. This case illustrates the difficulties involved in diagnosing children at the early stage of the disease. Case presentation: An 8-year-old prepubertal boy presented with rapid weight gain accompanied by a decreasing growth velocity and hirsutism. Thyroid function tests and growth factor levels were normal, thus excluding hypothyroidism and growth hormone deficiency. Cushing’s syndrome was confirmed by elevated 24-h urinary free cortisol levels, increased diurnal cortisol levels, and a lack of cortisol suppression in the low-dose dexamethasone suppression test. Further tests to investigate the source of the hypercortisolism showed the following results: Basal morning adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) was normal. The high-dose dexamethasone suppression test led to a 51% decrease in cortisol level. In the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) test, ACTH and cortisol increased only by 28%. Repeated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) finally revealed a microadenoma in the anterior pituitary, thus establishng the diagnosis of Cushing’s disease. Upon diagnosis, the patient underwent transsphenoidal surgery. Histological analysis confirmed an ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma. Conclusion: This case illustrates the difficulties associated with the clinical, biochemical, and radiological diagnoses of Cushing’s disease in children. Early diagnosis remains a challenge because test results often do not match standard diagnostic criteria.

Purpose: To determine the importance of MRI with contrast-enhanced MRA for the detection or exclusion of aberrant or obstructing renal arteries in ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children. Materials and Methods: Key word-based search in RIS database (ureteropelvic junction obstruction/ MRI) and retrospective comparison of arterial findings from preoperative contrast -enhanced MRA and intra-operative inspection. From 2007 to 2013, 19 children with ureteropelvic junction obstruction underwent contrast-enhanced MRA. Based on the results of the MRI scan and MAG3 scintigraphy, the children were referred to surgery (Anderson-Hynes-pyeloplasty). Results: An aberrant renal artery was diagnosed with MRI in 14 of 19 children, and intra-operative inspection confirmed 13 of those 14. In the remaining 5 children, no aberrant vessel could be observed in MRI and this was confirmed intra-operatively in 3 of the 5 cases, while in the remaining 2, an aberrant vessel was found. Of the 14 children with aberrant vessels, 12 underwent surgery due to assumed ureteral obstruction, which was confirmed by surgery in 11 cases. In one case, an aberrant artery was found intra-operatively, but obstruction could not be confirmed. In one of the 14 children, the vessel was found in MRI, but its obstructing character was negated via MRA, which was confirmed intra-operatively. In the diagnosis of aberrant and obstructing renal arteries, contrast-enhanced MRA presents 85 % sensitivity and 80 % specificity, with a positive predictive value of 0.8. Conclusion: MRI with contrast-enhanced MRA is suitable to detect aberrant and obstructing renal arteries. An obstructive effect of the aberrant vessel is to be assumed if the vessel has a close relationship to the ureteropelvic junction and if it is linearly stretched. Key Points: • MRI with contrast-enhanced MRA is a sure method for the detection of aberrant renal arteries in children with ureteropelvic junction obstruction • the obstructive effect of the aberrant vessel can be derived from the close proximity of the vessel to the ureteropelvic junction and from the streched course of the vessel Citation Format: • Ritter L, Gotz G, Sorge I et al. Significance of MR Angiography in the Diagnosis of Aberrant Renal Arteries as the Cause of Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction in Children. Fortschr Rontgenstr 2015; 187: 42 – 48

An integrated PET/MRI scanner has been used in selected cases of pediatric brain tumor patients to obtain additional metabolic information about lesions for preoperative biopsy planning and navigation.Four patients, age 9-16 years, received PET/MRI scans employing [(11)C]methionine positron emission tomography (PET) and contrast-enhanced 3D-MR sequences for neuronavigation. PET and MR sequences have been matched for neurosurgical guidance. An infrared camera-based neuronavigation system was employed with co-registered MR and PET images fused to hybrid images for preoperative planning, stereotactic biopsy planning, and/or intraoperative guidance.All patients showed hot spots of increased amino acid transport in PET and contrast-enhancing lesions in MRI. In three of the four patients, PET hot spots were congruent with contrast-enhancing areas in MRI. In two patients, frame-based stereotactic biopsies were taken from thalamo-mesencephalic lesions. One patient underwent second-look surgery for the suspicion of recurrent malignant glioma of the posterior fossa. One incidental frontal mass lesion was subtotally resected. No complications occurred. Hybrid imaging was helpful during the procedures to obtain representative histopathologic specimens and for surgical guidance during resection. Co-registered images did match with intraoperative landmarks, tumor borders, and histopathologic specimens.The integrated PET/MRI scanner offers co-registered multimodal, high-resolution data for neuronavigation with reduced radiation exposure compared to PET/CT scans. One examination session provides all necessary data for neuronavigation and preoperative planning, avoiding additional anesthesia in the small patients. Hybrid multimodality imaging may improve safety and yield additional information when obtaining representative histopathologic specimens of brain tumors.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), frequently with contrast enhancement, is the preferred imaging modality for many indications in children. Practice varies widely between centers, reflecting the rapid pace of change and the need for further research. Guideline changes, for example on contrast-medium choice, require continued practice reappraisal. This article reviews recent developments in pediatric contrast-enhanced MRI and offers recommendations on current best practice. Nine leading pediatric radiologists from internationally recognized radiology centers convened at a consensus meeting in Bordeaux, France, to discuss applications of contrast-enhanced MRI across a range of indications in children. Review of the literature indicated that few published data provide guidance on best practice in pediatric MRI. Discussion among the experts concluded that MRI is preferred over ionizing-radiation modalities for many indications, with advantages in safety and efficacy. Awareness of age-specific adaptations in MRI technique can optimize image quality. Gadolinium-based contrast media are recommended for enhancing imaging quality. The choice of most appropriate contrast medium should be based on criteria of safety, tolerability, and efficacy, characterized in age-specific clinical trials and personal experience.

Hydrocephalus is still a not well-understood diagnostic and a therapeutic dilemma because of the lack of sufficient and comprehensive model of cerebrospinal fluid circulation and pathological alterations. Based on current studies, reviews, and knowledge of cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, brain water dynamics, intracranial pressure, and cerebral perfusion physiology, a new concept is deducted that can describe normal and pathological changes of cerebrospinal fluid circulation and pathophysiology of idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

Objective Data on safety, effectiveness and amelioration of metabolic comorbidities are scarce for adolescents undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Methods Data on a 17 year-old female who underwent LSG due to morbid obesity and quantification of visceral adipose tissue (VAT)/hepatic fat (HF) by MRI scan are presented. In addition, a review of the literature related to LSG in adolescent obesity is provided [search terms: laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, adolescence, obesity]. Results Pre-existing comorbidities in our patient included insulin resistance, NASH (HF: 28%) and hyperuricemia. BMI dropped from 52.9 kg/m2 to 40.4 and 35.0 kg/m2 after 6 and 24 months, respectively, following LSG. VAT dropped by 49.2% and by 71.5% within 6 and 24 months, accompanied by a decrease of HF to 1.53% and to 0.85%, respectively. Improvements of metabolic parameters towards normal range, which were reached within 6 months following LSG, could be maintained for 2 years. The review of the literature revealed that 9 original papers on LSG in adolescent obesity are available to date, ranging from single case presentations to case series of 108 patients and including children and adolescents 8–18 years. Conclusions LSG is a safe and – in the short term – effective bariatric procedure for adolescent obesity (follow up 24 months). Long-term results with larger numbers of patients and involving additional features, such as quantification of VAT and HF as markers of metabolic risk and insulin resistance, are warranted to further understand the effectiveness and safety and to further explore the long-term benefits of this procedure in adolescence.

A case of an 8-year-old-boy with shunt-dependent occlusive hydrocephalus after resection of a cerebellar medulloblastoma is presented, who experienced repeated episodes of severe neurologic deterioration with signs and symptoms of raised intracranial pressure after spinal tapping. However, intracranial pressure was recorded within low ranges, only up to the opening pressure of the implanted adjustable shunt valve. Multiple shunt revisions were performed, until the condition was recognized as acute normal pressure hydrocephalus. Either enforced recumbency and downadjustment of the valve system to 0 cm H(2)O alone or external ventricular drainage seems to be successful to resolve the critical condition, depending on severity of the symptoms. The case illustrates that acute pathologic enlargement of the ventricular system is not always associated with increased intracranial pressure, even when typical signs and symptoms are present. The very rare entity of acute normal pressure hydrocephalus by two separated compartments is postulated based on the pulsatile vector force theory of brain water circulation.

Introduction: Bevacizumab has been reported to effectively reduce cerebral edema caused by radiation therapy. However, only limited data with a short follow-up in tumor patients are available so far. Patients and Methods: Two children suffering from hemorrhage from arteriovenous malformation (AVM) have been treated with stereotactic radiotherapy and developed radiation-induced cerebral edema with deteriorating neurological status despite maximized steroid therapy. Bevacizumab administration at 5 mg/kg body weight was initiated every 2 weeks. Results: Bevacizumab treatment rapidly ameliorated the neurological deficits, malignant edema and prevented catastrophic complications. Corticoid therapy could be reduced and discontinued. However, after 18 months, both patients showed identical or worse neurological status than before bevacizumab therapy. AVM radiation therapy had been successful to completely obliterate AVMs. Discussion: In our limited experience, bevacizumab may be an effective and safe option for rescue therapy for malignant cerebral edema on the basis of radiation-induced necrosis especially in patients who experience rapid deterioration despite corticoid therapy and/or intolerable steroid side effects. Despite the fact that functional improvement could not be achieved in long-term outcome patients significantly stabilized and improved during periods of acute deterioration. In order to determine the long-term effectiveness of bevacizumab further investigation in placebo-controlled studies with a higher number of patients are required.

Spinal intradural arachnoid cysts are rare with only a few patients reported so far. Idiopathic, traumatic, posthemorrhagic, and postinflammatory causes have been reported in the literature. Especially, idiopathic lesions, in which other possible etiological factors have been ruled out, seem to be rare. We systematically reviewed the literature in regards to localization within the spinal canal, treatment options, complications, and outcome. Additionally, we present management strategies in two progressively symptomatic children less than 3 years of age with idiopathic intradural arachnoid cysts. In total, 21 pediatric cases including the presented cases have been analyzed. Anterior idiopathic spinal arachnoid cysts are predominantly located in the cervical spine in 87.5 % of all cases, whereas posterior cysts can be found at thoracic and thoracolumbar segments in 84.6 % of the patients. Most children presented with motor deficits (76.2 %). Twenty-five percent of anterior spinal arachnoid cysts caused back pain as the only presenting symptom. Open fenestration by a dorsal approach has been used in the vast majority of cases. No major surgical complications have been reported. Ninety-four percent of all patients did improve or showed no neurological deficits. Recurrence rate after successful surgical treatment was low (9.5 %). Idiopathic spinal intradural arachnoid cysts can present with neurological deficits in children. Pathologies are predominantly located in the cervical spine anteriorly and in thoracic and thoracolumbar segments posteriorly to the spinal cord. In symptomatic cases, microsurgical excision and cyst wall fenestration via laminotomy are recommended. Our radiological, intraoperative, and pathological findings support the cerebrospinal fluid obstruction and vent mechanism theory of arachnoid cysts.

The purpose of this study is to establish and validate a magnetic resonance (MR)-based fat quantification package that provides an accurate assessment of abdominal adipose tissue and liver fat in children.Ex vivo trials with a torso model and water-oil mixtures are conducted. Abdominal adipose tissue (AAT) is covered by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using a fat-selective sequence and is analyzed by a plug-in based on the open source software ImageJ. Liver fat (LF) is measured with localized 1H Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1H MRS) and the jMRUI (java-based Magnetic Resonance User Interface) software package. Evaluation of the clinical methodology involved a study of 10 children in this feasibility study (mean age and body mass index: 13.3 yr; 33.3 kg/m²). To evaluate the method's validity, reference measurements were performed.Ex vivo trials with the torso model showed that adipose tissue was measured appropriately with a systematic underestimation by 9.3 ± 0.2 % (0.32 ± 0.064 kg). Coefficients of variation for both intra- and inter-observer measurements ranged between 0 - 2.7 % and repeated analyses showed significant equivalent results (p0.01). The lipid content obtained by 1H MRS ex vivo revealed significant equivalence with the predefined fat content in water-oil mixtures (p0.01). In vivo, the homemade plug-in significantly overestimated the AAT, with the visceral adipose tissue being most affected (+ 15.7 ± 8.4 %).Although an overestimation of the AAT by the presented plug-in should be taken into consideration, this children-friendly package enables the quantification of both LF and AAT within 30 min on a freeware-based platform.

ZusammenfassungKinder mit Phakomatosen bzw. neurokutanen Syndromen bedürfen aufgrund vielfältiger Organmanifestationen sowie assoziierter Entwicklungsstörungen einer komplexen Betreuung. Neben einer kurzen Übersichtsdarstellung der wichtigsten klinischen Merkmale der klassischen Phakomatosen (Neurofibromatose Typ 1, tuberöse Sklerose, von HippelLindau-Erkrankung, Sturge-Weber-KrabbeSyndrom und Gorlin-Goltz-Syndrom) geht der vorliegende Artikel auf aktuelle pathophysiologische und therapeutische Aspekte ein.

ZusammenfassungIm Kindesalter stellen Hirntumoren nach den Leukämien die zweitgrößte Gruppe maligner Erkrankungen dar. Die ersten Symptome sind meist unspezifisch und sehr heterogen, abhängig von der Tumorlokalisation und vom Alter des Patienten. Psychische Veränderungen finden sich nicht nur am häufigsten überhaupt bei Patienten mit einem Hirntumor, sondern sind in zahlreichen Fällen auch erste Symptome der Grundkrankheit (14). Um Verhaltens- und Wesensänderungen richtig einordnen zu können, ist eine subtile Berücksichtigung zusätzlicher Symptome auf neurologischem, neuropsychologischem und neuroradiologischem Gebiet erforderlich (14). Der vorliegende Fall zeigt, wie wichtig es sein kann, bei anhaltender Beschwerdesymptomatik die primäre Diagnose zu hinterfragen.

Ein weibliches Fruhgeborenes der 31. Schwangerschaftswoche zeigt auffallige Veranderungen wie einen glockenformigen Thorax, ein ausladendes Abdomen und weitere Dysmorphiezeichen. Die humangenetische Untersuchung ergab eine paternale uniparentale Disomie 14.

Primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in children is usually self-limiting and harmless but can, rarely, result in life-threatening complications. The case of an 11-year-old girl with ITP is presented who developed recurrent intracranial hemorrhages followed by cerebral infarctions. The clinical course was complicated by a graft-versus-host disease involving several organs. Treatment was performed according to the current international consensus report of 2010 with glucocorticoids, immunoglobulin G, anti-D-immunoglobulin and additionally embolisation of the splenic artery. The girl survived. Reliable predictors, preventive measures for life-threatening complications in ITP and more information about the effectiveness and side-effects of the recommended treatment are urgently needed.

Vertebral infection represents 2% to 4% of all cases of osteomyelitis in children. Extension of vertebral osteomyelitis into the vertebral arch is rare; and exclusive pyogenic involvement is exceedingly rare, especially in children. A review of the literature revealed less than 25 combined cases, most of them reported in the beginning of the 20th century without cross-sectional imaging. The unusual location creates difficulties in distinguishing vertebral osteomyelitis from neoplasm and arthritic conditions. We present 2 cases of infection of the posterior vertebral elements. Most useful in identifying the presence and extent of infection were a sudden onset of nonspecific back pain, elevated inflammatory parameters, and magnetic resonance imaging. Antibiotic therapy with or without surgical intervention provided successful management. With the recurrence observed in 1 child, the most optimal treatment of this condition might still be unknown.

ZusammenfassungDie tuberöse Sklerose (TS; Synonyme: tuberöse Hirnsklerose, Morbus Bourneville-Pringle, Tuberöse-Sklerose-Komplex [TSC]) ist nach der Neurofibromatose Typ 1 die zweithäufigste Form der Phakomatosen, wobei sie seltener diagnostiziert wird als die Inzidenz vermuten lässt (hohe Dunkelziffer). Während die Penetranz dieser neuroektodermalen Dysplasie bei Mutationen im TSC1- oder TSC2-Gen nahezu vollständig ist, variiert die Expressivität von Merkmalen stark und folgt keiner strikten Genotyp-Phänotyp-Korrelation. Das breite Spektrum klinischer Manifestationen stellt in Hinblick auf Diagnostik und Therapie eine inter-disziplinäre Herausforderung dar. Um eine frühzeitige, evidenzbasierte Betreuung und Therapie durchzuführen, sollten lange Latenzzeiten zwischen Erstmanifestation und einer definitiven klinischen und/oder humangenetischen Diagnose vermieden werden. Dazu dienen die revidierten diagnostischen Major- und Minorkriterien der Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Consensus Conference, auf deren Grundlage die Diagnose einer TS gestellt wird. Typische kutane Manifestationen sind kutane hypomelanotische Makulae, faziale Angiofibrome oder fibröse Plaques, Chagrin-Lederflecken und Koenen-Tumoren. Im ZNS sind es kortikale und subkortikale Tubera, radiale Migrationslinien der Substantia alba, subependymale Noduli und Riesenzellastrozytome, neurologisch funktionelle Krampfanfälle, neuropsychologisch kognitive Dysfunktion, Gedächtnisstörungen, Aufmerksamkeitsdefizite, Verhaltensauffälligkeiten, Lernschwierigkeiten und autistische Störungen. Weitere Organmanifestationen sind renale Angiomyolipome sowie Nierenzysten, kardiale Rhabdomyome, die pulmonale Lymphangioleiomyomatose sowie retinale Hamartome. Seltener diagnostizierte Merkmale sind extrarenale Hamartome von Leber, Milz, Darm und Zunge oder Café-au-laitFlecken und Strabismus. Einzelne Manifestationen sind nicht beweisend für eine TS, sie können jedoch eine oligosymptomatische Verlaufs-form (Minorform) der TS anzeigen. Bei Verdacht auf eine TS gibt die Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance Leitlinien zu Diagnostik, Verlaufskontrolle und Screening. Dabei werden einige Manifestationen wie extrarenale Hamartome nicht berücksichtigt, obwohl diesen eine diagnostische Relevanz zukommt. Neben der klinischen Diagnostik post partum besteht im Einzelfall die Möglichkeit einer pränatalen Diagnostik mittels Sonografie, MRT oder genetischer Pränataldiagnostik. Die Therapie der tuberösen Skle-rose ist bislang symptomatisch, in Form von pharmakologischer und chirurgischer antikonvulsiver Therapie sowie frühzeitiger Erkennung und Verhütung von Komplikationen. Neuerdings gibt es Erfolg versprechende Ansätze für eine kausale Pharmakotherapie der TS.

Combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) is a rare disorder resulting from impaired production of several pituitary hormones. This report describes the 30-year history of a patient who has apparently lived without a pituitary. The patient, born in 1976, experienced recurrent episodes of hypoglycaemia (as low as 2.9 mg/dl) in early childhood and showed elevated liver enzymes up to the age of two years without specific diagnosis. At the age of approximately 13 years, he first presented at our Department of Paediatric Endocrinology (University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Leipzig) with signs of hypopituitarism and a height SDS of - 5.4, a high pitched voice and hypogenitalism. Endocrine testing confirmed panhypopituitarism (GH 1.3 ng/mL, LH 0.8 mU/mL, FSH 0.1 mU/ml, ACTH

We report 4-year-old girl who was diagnosed with adrenocortical carcinoma when she was 2 years old. At the time of diagnosis there were no metastases, but 6 months later multiple liver metastases appeared. Following intensive chemotherapy the metastases resolved completely. Multifocal lesions were detected in the liver by US 16 months later. Their morphology on US and MRI differed from the previous metastases. Histopathological examination confirmed focal nodular hyperplasia. We discuss the origin and the uncommon appearance of multifocal nodular hyperplasia in hormone-active tumours such as adrenocortical carcinoma in children.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 is the most common of the phakomatoses and the clinical follow-up is an interdisciplinary challenge. The data of 27 patients with NF1 were systematically reviewed and compared to data from the literature. All of our patients had clinical signs of NF1. Besides the classic criteria cafe-au-lait spots (100%), freckling (48,1%), positive family history (44,1%), neurofibromas (40,7%), Lisch nodules (22,2%) and optic pathway tumors (22,2%) there were developmental delay (40,7%), macrocephaly (33,3%), strabism (29,6%), scoliosis (18,5%), epilepsy (14,8%), pubertal anomalies (14,8%), short stature (11,1%) and tics. Morphologically, CNS hamartomas (55,5%), astrocytomas (22,2%) and one pheochromocytoma became apparent. Special findings consist of one aneurysm of internal carotic arteria, juvenile xanthogranulomas, a case of pulmonary stenosis and an intracardial tumor. Four new mutations in the NF1 gene were found. Regular screening of optic glioma with MRI had no clinical significance. In contrast to other authors, one of our patients with optic glioma showed clinical progress after twelve years of age. The detection of astrocytomas led only to therapeutic consequences, when clinical signs or symptoms occurred. As with other authors, we found no potential for CNS hamartoma to proliferate. In three cases with pubertal anomalies we found CNS gliomas, which indicates the need for MRI. The expense of screening, apart from clinical surveillance, seems inadequate in relation to clinical relevance and costs. We describe four new mutations in the NF1 gene; there have been no specific genotype-phenotype correlations. Neurofibromatosis type 1 and associated clinical abnormalities in 27 children.

We report a case of unusual extraintestinal yersiniosis in a 16-year-old girl with generalized microinfarctions of the bone and spleen. For the past 2 years she had been repeatedly admitted to our hospital with reactive arthritis, erythema nodosum and iridocyclitis of unknown aetiology. Ultrasound showed multiple round hypoechoic lesions in the spleen that were shown to have low T2 signal on MRI. MRI also showed disseminated nodular lesions of the skeleton that were low T1 and high T2 signal and demonstrated inhomogeneous contrast enhancement. The patient is currently in good health on low-dose nonsteroidal immunosuppressive therapy. This is a unique case of microinfarctions of the skeleton and spleen caused by a severe postinfectious autoimmune reaction following extraintestinal Yersinia enterocolitica infection.

We describe here the spontaneous remission of a diffuse brainstem lesion found in an infant at the age of 7 weeks. Clinical and MRI characteristics strongly suggested a diffuse pontine glioma. Repeated MRI studies showed a continuous decrease in the size of the lesion, which was no longer visible by the age of 27 months. Spontaneous remission of diffuse pontine glioma is extremely rare; to our knowledge there are reports of only three similar cases.

Treatment of aqueductal stenosis (AQS) has undergone several paradigm shifts during the past decades. Currently, endoscopic ventriculostomy (ETV) is recommended as treatment of choice. Several authors have addressed the issue of variable ETV success rates depending on age and pathogenetic factors. However, success rates have usually been defined as "ETV non-failure." The aim of the study was a retrospective analysis of radiological and neurological treatment response after ETV or VP-shunting (VPS) in age-dependent subtypes of AQS.Eighty patients (median age 12.0 years, range 0-79 years) have been treated for MRI-proven aqueductal stenosis. Neurological treatment success was defined by neurological improvement and, in childhood, head circumference. Radiological response was measured as Evan's index in follow-up MRI. Initial signs and symptoms, type of surgery, and complications were analyzed.Four types of AQS have been defined with distinct age ranges and symptomatology: congenital type I (n = 24), chronic progressive (tectal tumor-like) type II (n = 23), acute type III (n = 10), and adult chronic (normal-pressure hydrocephalus-like) type IV (n = 23). Retrospective analysis of neurological and radiological outcome suggested that congenital type I (1 years of age) may be more successfully treated with VPS than with ETV (81 vs. 50 %). Treatment of chronic juvenile type II (age 2-15) by ETV 19 % compared to 57 % after VP-shunt, but similar neurological improvement (80 %). There has been no influence of persistent ventriculomegaly in type II after ETV in contrast to VPS therapy for neurological outcome. Adult acute type III (age15 years) responded excellent to ETV. Chronic type IV (iNPH-like) patients (age21) responded neurologically in 70 % after ETV and VPS, but radiological response was low (5 %).AQS can be divided into four distinct age groups and types in regards of clinical course and symptomatology. Depending on the AQS type, ETV cannot be unequivocally recommended. Congenital type I AQS may have a better neurological outcome with VP-shunt whereas acute type III offers excellent ETV results. Chronic progressive type II still requires prospective investigation of long-term ETV outcome, especially when ventriculomegaly persists. Late chronic type IV seems to result in similar outcome after VP-shunt and ETV.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is an infectious disease which is nearly forgotten in Germany because of its low incidence. CASE REPORT: We report on a 14-year-old german girl who was disregarded when active case-finding of her uncle's active pulmonary tuberculosis was carried out three years before. As a result she herself developed a severe infectious pulmonary tuberculosis. The delay between onset of symptoms and diagnosis gives cause for concern and led to active tuberculosis in her brother and her girl friend as well. The lack of information about tuberculosis in population and delay of medical detection in this case led unnecessarily to the continuing chain of infection. CONCLUSIONS: This case report shows that there are severe infectious courses of tuberculosis even in childhood which might get epidemiologically important. For earlier diagnosis and successful interruption of chains of infection tuberculosis in the German population even today has to be taken into account. Case detection through contact investigation of adults is of great importance in childhood and adolescence.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided therapeutic interventions in children are very rare. In comparison to other imaging techniques, it is very unusual for MRI to be used for diagnostic percutaneous interventions despite its imaging benefits. We provide a brief description of available MRI systems and instruments and use clinical examples to present and discuss typical indications for percutaneous procedures while showing possibilities for percutaneous therapeutic interventions.

We report a 5-year-old boy with a 5-month history of symptoms owing to chronic pancreatitis. Abdominal imaging revealed a large pseudocyst in the pancreatic tail and concretions in the main pancreatic duct. Successful endoscopic papillotomy and stent implantation were performed. Genetic testing showed homozygous SPINK1-N34S mutation, which is an established risk factor for chronic pancreatitis.

MRI guided interventions are a relatively new but steadily growing field within surgery in pediatric age. Besides the advantages of MRI, such as multiplanar capability and excellent soft tissue contrast and spatial resolution, particularly relevant for the pediatric population is the lack of ionizing radiation. There is meanwhile a group of well defined diagnostic or therapeutic indications for applying MR imaging during pediatric interventions. Aim of this review is to give an overview about indications of MR-guided procedures in children as well as the advantages and disadvantages of MR-guided interventions. We also briefly discuss interventional MR-systems and MR-compatible devices. It is our opinion that MR-guidance for pediatric interventions is a promising technique at the beginning of its development.

Infantile myofibromatosis is a very rare tumor in childhood and infancy. The authors report on a 4-year-old boy who presented with two relapses of initially multifocal infantile myofibromatosis without visceral involvement. The lesions of the skull and the abdomen were excised while osteolytic lesions of the limbs were not treated. Chemotherapy or radiation have not been applicated. Three years after initial diagnosis there is no evidence for persistence or recurrence of the tumor.