ANESTHESIA FOR CHILDREN AND INFANTS UNDERGOING MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING - A PROSPECTIVE-STUDY

A prospective study of a method of anaesthetizing children for magneti c resonance imaging was carried out. The end-tidal carbon dioxide, res piratory rate and oxygen saturation of 23 children undergoing magnetic resonance imaging were monitored. The children underwent halothane an aesthesia breathing spontaneously via an endotracheal tube and a modif ied Rain breathing system. The children were divided into two age grou ps. In all groups the end-tidal carbon dioxide and oxygen saturation v alues remained at or near normal for the duration of the scan. All chi ldren were recovered within 10 min and there were no post-anaesthetic problems. We suggest, that in the absence of respiratory problems or a rise in intracranial pressure, this is a safe and appropriate techniq ue for magnetic resonance scanning in the child.