MRI protocols for imaging paediatric brain tumours

AimsTo establish whether paediatric centres within the Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG) network employ magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocols for brain tumours according to the revised guidance.Materials and methodsQuestionnaires were sent to both consultants and superintendent radiographers in the 21 centres within the CCLG network that perform MRI on paediatric brain tumour patients. Information was requested as to whether the centre had a protocol for imaging paediatric brain tumours, which sequences were performed, and whether these were used by all consultants.ResultsTwenty-seven completed questionnaires out of the 42 sent were returned, which included responses from 17 of the 21 UK centres. The majority of centres had a protocol for MRI of paediatric brain tumours at all stages of treatment. The standardized CCLG MRI sequences were incorporated in full at only five of the 17 centres.ConclusionThe standard sequences of the CCLG brain imaging protocol are poorly adhered to nationally. Further awareness of the revised protocol is needed, with improved access to the guidelines for non-CCLG members on the CCLG and Royal college of Radiologists website.