Pediatric MR Angiography of the central nervous system

MRI has now become the initial procedure of investigation for the pediatric patients with stroke. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is an important adjunct in the diagnostic evaluation of these patients who may be affected by vascular abnormalities. During the past year-and-a-half MRA has been utilized with an increasing frequency and has replaced in many cases the need for conventional angiography. The clinical management of the young patients can be planned on the basis of MRA, that can be performed as an intrinsic part of the initial MRI study. At present, the diagnostic accuracy of MRA is sufficient that conventional angiography can be circumvente or performed at a time when the patients clinical conditions have stabilized and just prior to the operative procedures, if surgery is requested.