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The rediscovery of infant feeding formula with magnetic resonance imaging
E O Gerscovich1, J P McGahan, M H Buonocore
1Department of Radiology, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento.
Insights
Infant feeding formula can serve as an effective oral contrast agent for neonatal gastrointestinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This method provides high signal intensity in the stomach, small bowel, and colon on MRI scans.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Radiology
Background:
- Accurate visualization of the neonatal gastrointestinal tract is crucial for diagnosing various conditions.
- Traditional oral contrast agents may have limitations in newborns, necessitating exploration of alternative agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of infant feeding formula as an oral contrast agent for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in newborns.
- To assess the signal characteristics of infant formula within the neonatal gastrointestinal tract on different MRI sequences and field strengths.
Main Methods:
- Six newborns underwent MR examinations after receiving standard infant feeding formula 0.5 to 4 hours prior.
- T1-weighted and T2-weighted images were acquired on 0.5 Tesla and 1.5 Tesla magnets.
- Signal intensity within the stomach, small bowel, and colon was analyzed.
Main Results:
- Infant feeding formula demonstrated a high signal intensity throughout the gastrointestinal tract (stomach, small bowel, colon).
- This high signal was consistently observed on both T1 and T2 weighted images across both 0.5T and 1.5T MRI scanners.
- The formula was well-tolerated, with no adverse events reported.
Conclusions:
- Regular infant feeding formula is a safe and effective oral contrast agent for neonatal gastrointestinal MR imaging.
- Its use can enhance visualization of the neonatal gastrointestinal tract, potentially aiding in diagnosis and reducing the need for other agents.
Abstract:
In six newborns, regular infant feeding formula given approximately one-half hour to four hours prior to MR examination, demonstrated a high intensity signal within the infant's stomach, small bowel, and colon. This effect was observed on both 0.5 Tesla and 1.5 Tesla magnets on T1 (SE TR/TE 433-600/20-25) and on T2 (SE TR/TE 1500/30-80) weighted images. Infant feeding formula has the potential to be used as an oral contrast agent for visualization of the newborn gastrointestinal tract. Chloral hydrate and other agents were also tested.