Unenhanced whole-body MRI is safe and produces excellent images. The high sensitivity, specificity, and NPV make whole-body MRI a valuable cancer screening tool in children with a genetic predisposition for cancer.

Objective We evaluated the prevalence of sacroiliitis at diagnosis of juvenile spondyloarthritis (JSpA) and the accuracy of physical examination and back pain to detect sacroiliitis, using imaging as the reference standard. Methods We performed a prospective cross-sectional study of 40 children with newly diagnosed JSpA and 14 healthy controls. Subjects were assessed using physical examination, anteroposterior pelvic radiograph, and pelvic MRI. Differences in clinical features between those children with and without sacroiliitis were assessed by Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables and Wilcoxon rank sum test for continuous variables. Accuracy of physical examination and back pain for detection of sacroiliitis was determined using MRI as the reference standard. Predicted probability of sacroiliitis was determined using exact multivariate logistic regression. Results Eight (20%) children with JSpA had active sacroiliitis. Of those subjects with active changes on MRI, 7/8 (88%) also had evidence of erosions or sclerosis. Five (13%) children with JSpA and 1 (7%) control had non-periarticular bone marrow edema. Of the subjects with active sacroiliitis only 3 (38%) reported a history of back pain or tenderness on palpation of the sacroiliac joints. The positive and negative predictive values of clinical exam features and back pain for detection of sacroiliitis were low. The estimated probability of having sacroiliitis was 0.84 (95% CI: 0.40–1.00) in HLA-B27+ patients with an elevated CRP. Conclusion Active sacroiliitis by MRI is common at diagnosis in JSpA and is frequently asymptomatic. Children who are HLA-B27+ and have elevated CRP levels have the highest probability of sacroiliitis.

Osteoid osteoma is a common benign bone-forming lesion that is composed of a nidus of vascular osteoid tissue and woven bone lined by osteoblasts. It is frequently associated with considerable surrounding inflammation. The diagnosis is usually straightforward when imaging reveals a radiolucent nidus surrounded by variable degrees of reactive sclerosis. However, the diagnosis can be elusive when osteoid osteomas occur in atypical locations, as they may have a nonspecific and misleading appearance on different imaging modalities, particularly on MRI. The purpose of this pictorial essay is to review the typical and atypical features of osteoid osteomas on different imaging modalities, and the appearance of osteoid osteomas in different locations. We also review growth disturbances caused by osteoid osteomas and potential mimickers, with imaging characteristics that can aid in diagnosis.