Neuroimaging Spectrum of Leukemia in Children: Focus on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings

Abstract

Background: Leukemia is the most common childhood malignancy and a major contributor to cancer-related morbidity and mortality in pediatric populations. Central nervous system (CNS) involvement is a well-recognized complication, either from direct leukemic infiltration, secondary hematological disturbances, opportunistic infections, or treatment-related neurotoxicity. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become the cornerstone modality for the evaluation of CNS manifestations in pediatric leukemia, offering unparalleled tissue contrast, multiplanar capability, and functional insights without ionizing radiation