Innovations and Future Directions in Pediatric Neuroradiology
Pediatric Neurovascular Intervention in my practice
Pediatric interventional neuroradiology (PINR) is a relatively new field that has been expanding with new technological advancements in the field of interventional radiology. It is still lagging behind adult interventional neuroradiology for a variety of reasons. These include the lack of evidence validating pediatric-specific procedures, the relative absence of designated pediatric equipment, as well as continuity in maintaining standards of PINR in a relatively small number of cases. The indications include many of those found in the adult population as well as uniquely pediatric conditions that occur either in isolation or as part of different syndromes. PINR procedures are, by definition, minimally invasive, reducing the burden on the patient and minimizing intra- and post-procedural morbidity. Continuous technological development over time, including catheter and microwire designs, the evolution of novel embolic agents, and enhanced angiographic imaging solutions, leads to the conversion of classical surgical therapies into less invasive PINR solutions. This review will cover the current evidence base for minimally invasive neurological interventions in children, reflecting the rapid growth and increasing demand for PINR procedures. Additionally, important considerations such as sedation, contrast agent use, and radiation protection will be discussed, taking into account the distinct characteristics of the pediatric population.
陳信宏
Country : Taiwan
Official Title : 醫師
Department :
Institute : Taipei Veterans General Hospital
Speaker CVNeuroimaging in childhood malignant brain tumors: diagnosis and long-term follow-up
Central nervous system tumors are the most common pediatric solid tumors and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in children. Compared with adults, pediatric brain tumors differ in origin, histologic type, location, and molecular features. Their diverse clinical presentations across age groups make early and accurate diagnosis challenging, especially for malignant cases. Neuroimaging is fundamental for diagnosis, staging, treatment planning, and response assessment. While computed tomography (CT) and conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remain effective for tumor detection, they have limited value in differentiating tumor types and grades. Advanced MRI techniques, including diffusion-weighted imaging, arterial spin labeling perfusion, and MR spectroscopy, provide improved structural and functional insights. Integration with positron emission tomography (PET) further enhances evaluation of tumor metabolism and physiology. Emerging radiomics and radiogenomics approaches offer promising tools for predicting tumor subtype, treatment response, and prognosis. We also propose MRI protocol recommendations designed to maximize clinical benefit in long-term follow-up. Radiation-induced secondary tumors represent a growing concern, as they may arise after a prolonged latency period and carry significant morbidity and mortality. Few studies have investigated such complications in survivors of childhood craniospinal irradiation. Future research should address strategies such as selective dose de-escalation or delaying radiation therapy in high-risk pediatric patients to reduce the long-term risk of secondary malignancies. Keywords: pediatric malignant brain tumors; neuroimaging; advanced MRI; radiomics; radiation-induced secondary tumors
李秀芬
Country : Taiwan
Official Title : 主任
Department :
Institute : Taichung Veterans General Hospital
Speaker CVImaging Pediatric Neurometabolic Disorders
Pediatric neurometabolic disorders are a group of extensive and diverse set of medical conditions affecting the brain in pediatric patients. As such, their clinical presentations can be rather nonspecific and can often mimic acquired entities such as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and/or sepsis. The radiological findings in these entities are also heterogeneous, and a more detailed analysis of imaging findings alongside the relevant clinical details can be a rewarding experience, thus enabling a timely and targeted diagnosis. Early diagnosis of an underlying neurometabolic disorder is vital, as some of these entities are potentially treatable, and laboratory and genetic testing can be precisely targeted. In this talk, a brief review of neurometabolic disorders specific to the pediatric patients with a focus on how neuroimaging findings match their clinical presentation patterns.
Prof. Sheng-Che Alex Hung
Country : USA
Official Title : Professor
Department :
Institute : University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Speaker CVInto Practice: AI in Pediatric Neuroradiology Today
Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly advanced in medical imaging, with several FDA-cleared tools now integrated into clinical practice. Pediatric neuroradiology presents unique challenges—including age-specific anatomy, motion artifacts, and rare disease prevalence—that make it an ideal but demanding domain for AI applications. This talk provides an overview of current AI products in pediatric neuroradiology that have gained FDA approval or CE marks and are actively used in practice. By bridging innovation with practice, this presentation aims to contextualize how AI is reshaping pediatric neuroimaging today.
李函叡
Country : Taiwan
Official Title : 主任
Department :
Institute : Taipei Veterans General Hospital
Speaker CVFetal MR in CNS system
Fetal MRI plays a key role in assessing brain abnormalities that are unclear or complex on ultrasound. In this focused talk, the lecture will highlight practical indications for fetal MR in CNS evaluation and how it changes clinical management. We will explore common prenatal CNS conditions—like ventriculomegaly, callosal anomalies, and posterior fossa abnormalities, with illustrative cases to highlight diagnostic pearls and pitfalls. We will touch on previewing how AI is beginning to support fetal brain MRI, including motion correction and segmentation. This talk is designed to provide clear takeaways and real-world examples for clinicians involved in prenatal and pediatric neuroimaging.
陳家馨
Country : Taiwan
Official Title : 醫師
Department :
Institute : Taichung Veterans General Hospital
Speaker CVPediatric inflammatory encephalopathy
Pediatric encephalopathy encompasses a broad spectrum of etiologies, with inflammatory and autoimmune causes representing a critical, often reversible subset. Early recognition is essential to initiate timely treatment and prevent long-term neurological sequelae. This presentation focuses on the imaging approach to pediatric inflammatory encephalopathy, with emphasis on practical differentiation from infectious and other mimicking conditions. Through illustrative MRI-based case reviews and a proposed diagnostic algorithm, we will explore key imaging patterns associated with major inflammatory disorders, including acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE), and immune-mediated toxic encephalopathies. Autoimmune syndromes such as anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis and other antibody-associated encephalitides will also be discussed in the context of their radiologic and clinical features. While the focus remains on inflammatory and autoimmune causes, selected infectious etiologies—such as viral and enteroviral encephalitis—will be briefly addressed to underscore overlapping findings and critical distinguishing features. By integrating imaging findings with clinical context and pathophysiological insights, this session aims to provide a structured, practical framework for radiologists and clinicians to narrow the differential diagnosis, guide further testing, and optimize care for children presenting with acute encephalopathy.
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