Multifrequency MR elastography of pediatric tumors

Motivation: Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is a noninvasive technique capable of quantifying tissue mechanical properties in vivo. This holds potential for detailed analysis and classification of tumor tissue. Goal(s): To test the applicability of multifrequency MRE in children with pediatric tumors and to obtain initial results on stiffness and viscosity markers of these tumor entities. Approach: Six pediatric patients with solid tumor disease were examined using multifrequency MRE for high-resolution mapping of stiffness and viscosity in tumors. Results: MRE was successfully acquired within less than 6 min in all pediatric patients. The different tumor entities show marked differences in stiffness and viscosity-related tissue fluidity. Impact: The values for stiffness and viscosity markers of pediatric tumors using MRE can be used to obtain important diagnostic information about the mechanical consistency of tumor tissue, which potentially lead to further differentiation of pediatric tumor entities in the future.