We found that NICU-treated VLBW infants had low radiation exposure compared with the annual NBR.

RARE-MR-urography (Rapid Acquisition with Relaxation Enhancement) is a fast MR imaging technique (6.4 s/acquisition) that selectively depicts fluid by heavy T2-weighting. From 9/1989 to 11/1990, RARE-MR urograms were prospectively evaluated in the diagnosis of upper urinary tract abnormalities in 55 children. The method is performed in several planes and combined with a coronal, T1-weighted spin-echo sequence. Forty out of 42 kidneys with dilated renal pelvis, and 21 out of 24 dilated ureters were identified, only the mildly dilated ones were missed. Even in non-functioning kidneys the urinary tract was clearly depicted by RARE-MR-urography. However, no differentiation could be made with this technique between vesicoureteral reflux and non-refluxing dilatation of ureter and/or renal pelvis. All 19 pelviureteric obstructions and all eight renal duplications with a dilated segment were identified. RARE-MR-urography is a new tool for diagnosing urinary tract abnormalities in children without having to employ ionizing radiation, contrast media, or general anesthesia. A dilated urinary tract can be shown in one image displaying the entire urinary system, similar to excretory urography. The technique is presently not able to provide the information of voiding cystourethrography or renal scintigraphy, nor is it as easy to perform as ultrasound. However, in certain cases it may replace excretory urography.

Image quality of a:Si flat panel digital radiography proved to be superior to a:Se drum digital radiography using low-dose settings. If the primary target is dose reduction indirect flat panel technology should be used.

We report a 15-year-old boy with patent ductus venosus in whom the diagnosis was made by MR angiography. A patent ductus venosus Arantii is a rare form of portosystemic shunt. Only a few cases have been reported in adults and children. The diagnosis is usually made by US and digital subtraction angiography. In our patient, the diagnosis was first made by MR angiography. This demonstrates the excellent diagnostic potential of the method in paediatric patients.