Amide Proton Transfer-Weighted MR Imaging of Pediatric Central Nervous System Diseases

Amide proton transfer-weighted (APTw) imaging is a molecular MR imaging technique that can detect the concentration of the amide protons in mobile cellular proteins and peptides or a pH change in vivo. Previous studies have indicated that APTw MR imaging can be used to detect malignant brain tumors, stroke, and other neurologic diseases, although the clinical application in pediatric patients remains limited. The authors briefly introduce the basic principles of APTw imaging. Then, they review early clinical applications of this approach to pediatric central nervous system diseases, including pediatric brain development, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, intracranial infection, and brain tumors.