Initial experience with Amide Proton Transfer weighted imaging in pediatric neuro-oncology

APTw imaging has shown promising applications in diagnosing adult brain tumors. However, pediatric brain tumors differ from their adult counterparts in terms of clinical, biological, and radiological appearance. Therefore, we investigated if and how APTw imaging can be used in clinical-decision making in pediatric neuro-oncology. First, we showed the repeatability of APTw maps, allowing longitudinal assessment. Then APTw imaging was evaluated in eleven children with a brain tumor. APTw values are higher in pediatric brain tumors compared to normal-appearing white matter. Unlike studies in adults, APTw values were not significant different between low-grade glioma and high-grade glioma in these children.