Test characteristics of quick brain MRI for shunt evaluation in children: an alternative modality to avoid radiation

OBJECT Quick brain magnetic resonance imaging (QB-MRI) is a rapid, radiation-free technique to detect life-threatening CSF shunt malfunction. QB-MRI has not been widely studied or adopted. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the test characteristics of QB-MRI for detecting shunt malfunction. Test characteristics of brain computed tomography (CT) and QB-MRI were then compared. Secondary objectives included comparison of time to study completion and use of sedatives for both modalities, as well as comparison of time to study completion for QB-MRI before and after implementation of a Pediatric Emergency Department (PED) shunt clinical pathway. METHODS A retrospective chart review was performed at 2 tertiary care hospital PEDs. The authors reviewed the charts of children who underwent QB-MRI or CT for suspected shunt malfunction between July 2008 and June 2012. They also reviewed the patients' neuroradiology reports and classified ventricular size as positive (enlarged) or negative (normal, sm...