Magnetic resonance imaging of the pediatric pelvis.

The increased use of MR imaging in the pediatric population is due to the lack of ionizing radiation, multiplanar imaging capability, and excellent tissue contrast differentiation. MR imaging is most commonly indicated in the evaluation of tumors to provide information about resectability and extent of lesions. It is also useful in the evaluation of congenital anomalies of the pelvic organs. This is a rapidly changing field; the development of fast-scanning techniques and contrast agents for the bowel should further improve the utilization of MR imaging in pediatrics.