What is the primary imaging study used to evaluate suspected brain tumors in pediatric patients?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the primary imaging study used to evaluate suspected brain tumors in pediatric patients due to its superior ability to provide detailed images of brain structures. MRI uses strong magnets and radio waves to generate high-resolution images, which are particularly useful in differentiating between various types of brain tissue, assessing tumor characteristics, and determining the extent of any mass effect on surrounding structures.

In pediatric patients, the importance of avoiding radiation exposure is significant, making MRI a favorable option compared to methods like CT scans, which involve ionizing radiation. MRI is also highly effective in visualizing soft tissues, including the brain and spinal cord, enabling better characterization of tumors. As a result, it is considered the gold standard for diagnosing and monitoring brain tumors in children.

While CT scans can be useful in certain scenarios, such as rapid assessment in emergency settings, they do not provide the same level of detail as MRI for soft tissue structures. Additionally, X-rays and ultrasounds are not typically utilized for brain tumor evaluation due to their limitations in imaging the central nervous system effectively.