Does pre-scanning training improve the image quality of children receiving magnetic resonance imaging?

Abstract

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often used in children for its clear display of body parts. But it is usually hard to acquire high-quality images, for the uncooperative ability of children. It is believed that pre-MRI training could ensure the high quality of images. The current meta-analysis was done to analyze the current evidences in this field. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were systematically searched up to July 2018, for studies assessing the effects of training on pediatric MRI. Data, including image quality, failed scanning rate, and sedation use, were extracted and analyzed using Revman 5.2 software. Results: There were 5 studies with 379 subjects in the meta-analysis. Training and control groups were quite comparable when accepted image quality was reviewed ( P = .30), but a lower rate of excellent image quality was found in subjects with training ( P = .02). The pooling results found no significance between training and control group in sedation use ( P = .09) and successful MRI scanning ( P = .63). Conclusions: It is cautious to conclude that pre-MRI training does not improve the image quality and reduce sedation use among children, for the limited number of studies and sample size. More trials should be encouraged to demonstrate this issue.

Comparing a Virtual Reality–Based Simulation App (VR-MRI) With a Standard Preparatory Manual and Child Life Program for Improving Success and Reducing Anxiety During Pediatric Medical Imaging: Randomized Clinical Trial

“…Although the use of VR in hospital settings is promising, to our knowledge, only one study has compared it with the CLP regarding anxiety [ 30 ]. We also found only one small meta-analysis comparing different types of preparation programs regarding objective image quality [ 33 ]. Of the studies that have been conducted to evaluate VR in procedural preparation thus far, most have focused primarily on self-reporting and survey metrics [ 27 , 28 , 30 ].…”

Infant and Child MRI: A Review of Scanning Procedures

“…Recently, 95% success rate in children aged 4–6 was obtained using multi-faceted concepts including an interactive app, a trained pediatric team, a children’s lounge with a toy scanner and a child-friendly multimedia environment in the MRI room ( Runge et al, 2018 ). Surprisingly, meta-analysis demonstrating the efficacy of pre-MRI training (including booklet, audio, video, toy model, or a mock scanner) did not improve data quality, sedation use or success rate of scanning ( Li et al, 2019 ). Authors thought that one possible account might be that training increases anxiety and fear among children.…”

Resting State fMRI: Going Through the Motions

“…For example, children are more prone to head motion when tasks are less engaging, making motion correction strategies important for rs-fMRI acquisitions (Yuan et al, 2009; Engelhardt et al, 2017). Pre-training using “mock scanning” or “fMRI simulator” sessions may help to reduce the need for sedation when imaging children and may provide more runs with usable MRI data (Epstein et al, 2007; De Bie et al, 2010; Barnea-Goraly et al, 2014), but significant benefit of this approach is not consistently demonstrated (Thieba et al, 2018; Li et al, 2019). Training tools and interventions such as watching a movie and/or motion feedback training (visual or verbal) have shown promise in children, young adults and stroke patients (Vanderwal et al, 2015; Graham et al, 2016; Greene et al, 2018).…”