[The role of magnetic resonance imaging for treatment in children with malignant solid tumor].

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in 126 children with malignant solid tumor between April 1984 and December 1990. The criteria of tumor visualization, localization, staging, prediction of kidney preserving and monitoring treatment were compared by MRI and CT for 47 children with neuroblastoma, Wilms' tumor, hepatoblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma and teratoma, MRI and CT were viewed together and an assessment was made as to whether the studies yielded equivalent information or whether one study was superior to the other. 1) The tumor were better visualized in 47% cases by MRI than CT. 2) MRI was superior to CT in 43% cases in evaluating the local spread of tumor. 3) There was little difference between MRI and CT in identification of lymph node metastases. 4) Without requiring the injection of intravenous contrast agents, MRI accurately defined displacement, invasion of renal vessels by neuroblastoma. MRI was excellent in prediction of kidney preserving. 5) MRI was useful to detect bone marrow metastases in neuroblastoma. The best imaging plane for a demonstration of bone marrow involvement was coronal in lower limbs.