Introduction of Ultra-High-Field MR Imaging in Infants: Preparations and Feasibility

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Neuroscience
• Pediatric Imaging

Background:

• Cerebral MRI in infants typically uses up to 3 Tesla (3T).
• Higher field strength (7T) MRI shows diagnostic value in adults.
• 7T MRI may benefit infants with unexplained seizures.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the feasibility of 7T MRI in infants.
• Assess safety preparations for infant 7T MRI.
• Present initial 7T MRI images of infants.

Main Methods:

• Simulated specific absorption rate (SAR) levels using infant and adult models.
• Utilized a new acoustic hood for hearing protection, measuring its noise damping.
• Conducted a prospective pilot study on 12 clinically stable infants (term-equivalent to 3 months corrected age) undergoing 7T MRI post-3T MRI.
• Developed and optimized 7T scan protocols during the study.

Main Results:

• Infant model SAR levels at 7T were within adult model limits.
• The new acoustic hood provided effective hearing protection.
• No adverse events related to MRI occurred in the 12 scanned infants.
• Good image quality was achieved at 7T for MRA, MRV, SWI, single-shot T2WI, and MR spectroscopy; T1WI quality was lower.

Conclusions:

• 7T MRI is feasible in the infant population.
• Good-quality imaging can be obtained using 7T MRI in infants.