High resolution and contrast 7 tesla MR brain imaging of the neonate.

Ultra-high field MR imaging offers marked gains in signal-to-noise ratio, spatial resolution, and contrast which translate to improved pathological and anatomical sensitivity. These benefits are particularly relevant for the neonatal brain which is rapidly developing and sensitive to injury. However, experience of imaging neonates at 7T has been limited due to regulatory, safety, and practical considerations. We aimed to establish a program for safely acquiring high resolution and contrast brain images from neonates on a 7T system. Images were acquired from 35 neonates on 44 occasions (median age 39 + 6 postmenstrual weeks, range 33 + 4 to 52 + 6; median body weight 2.93 kg, range 1.57 to 5.3 kg) over a median time of 49 mins 30 s. Peripheral body temperature and physiological measures were recorded throughout scanning. Acquired sequences included T2 weighted (TSE), Actual Flip angle Imaging (AFI), functional MRI (BOLD EPI), susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI), and MR spectroscopy (STEAM). There was no significant difference between temperature before and after scanning ( We demonstrate safety and feasibility of imaging vulnerable neonates at ultra-high field and highlight the untapped potential for providing important new insights into brain development and pathological processes during this critical phase of early life.

Informations de copyright

© 2024 Bridgen, Tomi-Tricot, Uus, Cromb, Quirke, Almalbis, Bonse, De la Fuente Botella, Maggioni, Cio, Cawley, Casella, Dokumaci, Thomson, Willers Moore, Bridglal, Saravia, Finck, Price, Pickles, Cordero-Grande, Egloff, O'Muircheartaigh, Counsell, Giles, Deprez, De Vita, Rutherford, Edwards, Hajnal, Malik and Arichi.

Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.