EVALUATION OF THE PATTERN OF BRAIN MRI FINDINGS IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS AT SOKOTO STATE ADVANCED MEDICAL DIAGNOSTIC CENTER

Abstract

Introduction: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the gold standard for evaluating pediatric brain abnormalities due to its superior soft-tissue contrast and absence of ionizing radiation. Pediatric neurological disorders contribute significantly to morbidity and long-term disability, particularly in low-resource settings where baseline data are limited. Understanding the pattern of MRI findings is essential for early diagnosis and effective management. Objective: To evaluate the pattern of brain MRI findings in pediatric patients at the Sokoto State Advanced Medical Diagnostic Center. Materials and Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted using brain MRI reports of pediatric patients aged 0–18 years who underwent MRI examinations between December 2023 and April 2025. Data were extracted using a structured data capture sheet and analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 28.0 with descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 48 pediatric brain MRI reports were reviewed. Males accounted for 68.8% of the patients, while females constituted 31.2%. The most represented age group was 13–18 years (39.6%). Normal MRI findings were the most common (43.8%). Among abnormal findings, hydrocephalus (16.7%) was the most frequent, followed by cerebral atrophy (14.6%), cerebral infarction (12.5%), cerebral mass (10.4%), and skull defect (2.1%). Abnormal findings were more prevalent in younger age groups, whereas normal findings predominated among adolescents. Conclusion: Brain MRI findings in pediatric patients at the study center show a predominance of normal results, with hydrocephalus being the most common abnormality. MRI remains a valuable diagnostic tool for pediatric neurological evaluation and provides baseline data to guide clinical practice and future research in the region.