Precision Pediatric Pelvic Imaging in Just Six Minutes

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the gold standard for evaluating pediatric pelvis anatomy due to its superior soft-tissue contrast and non-ionizing radiation profile. But in young children, achieving diagnostic-quality scans is often complicated by motion, discomfort, and the need for efficient workflows.

This week’s Case of the Week highlights how flexible coil design and optimized protocols can deliver both clarity and speed in pediatric pelvic imaging.

Case Overview

• Patient: 5 years old (56 months)

• Scanner: Siemens MAGNETOM Vida 3.0T

• Software: syngo MR XA20

• Coil: InkSpace Imaging anterior pediatric configuration

• Sequence: TIR-based fast spin echo (2D)

• Voxel Size: 0.5 mm × 0.5 mm × 3.5 mm

• Matrix: 704 × 640 × 56

• Scan Time: ~6 minutes

Despite the relatively long TR (7530 ms), this protocol delivered clear pelvic musculature, bladder, rectum, and reproductive structures in just over six minutes, with reliable fat suppression and strong T2-weighted contrast.

Why the Coil Setup Matters

Traditional rigid coils often struggle in pediatrics due to poor fit, gaps, and reduced signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In this case, using Snuggle the InkSpace Imaging pediatric coil in an anterior configuration it provided:

• Broad anterior and lateral coverage with minimal repositioning

• Consistent SNR across the pelvis

• Excellent contouring for patient comfort

• Reduced variability in pediatric pelvic protocols

The coil’s flexible design allowed it to conform closely to the child’s anatomy, improving both diagnostic accuracy and patient tolerance.

Pediatric Pelvic Clinical Impact

With a 0.5 mm in-plane voxel size, this protocol delivered fine anatomical definition essential for evaluating pelvic floor morphology and distinguishing soft tissue differences. The efficient acquisition not only reduced motion risk but also improved exam tolerance — critical for younger patients.

This balance of high-resolution detail, reliable fat suppression, and speed demonstrates how flexible coil design can transform pediatric MRI from a challenging exam into a consistent and efficient diagnostic tool.

Takeaway

The Snuggle™ pediatric coil from InkSpace Imaging enables radiologists to achieve diagnostic-quality pelvic imaging in minutes — without sacrificing patient comfort.

Interested in optimizing your pediatric pelvic protocols? Reach out to our team here to obtain example scans, trial options, and tailored clinical support.