Suggested Parameters for Clinical Infant Brain Imaging Using an Ultra-Low-Field Portable MRI System.

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Pediatric Neurology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Access to brain MRI for neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) infants is limited by transport challenges and non-MRI-safe equipment.
• Existing ultra-low-field (0.064T) portable MRI systems, while promising for in-NICU scanning, have parameters optimized for adults, not infants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and describe an optimized scanning protocol for infant brain imaging using an ultra-low-field portable MRI system.
• To enhance the feasibility of brain MRI acquisition for critically ill neonates directly within the NICU environment.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an ultra-low-field (0.064T) portable MRI system.
• Adapted and optimized scanning parameters specifically for the pediatric brain anatomy and physiology of infants.
• Implemented the protocol in a neonatal intensive care unit setting.

Main Results:

• Successfully developed a tailored scanning protocol for infant brain imaging on a portable ultra-low-field MRI.
• Demonstrated the potential for direct in-NICU brain MRI acquisition, bypassing traditional transport barriers.
• Established optimized parameters suitable for the unique characteristics of infant neuroimaging.

Conclusions:

• An optimized ultra-low-field portable MRI protocol can facilitate brain imaging for infants in the NICU.
• This approach significantly improves access to essential diagnostic neuroimaging for vulnerable neonates.
• Further research can refine protocols for broader clinical application in neonatal care.