Clinical Use of a Neonatal MRI System

There are significant safety and image quality issues associated with transferring neonates from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to the main Radiology Department for imaging in an adult-sized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. For these reasons, the smallest and/or sickest neonates are typically precluded from receiving an MRI exam. The goal of our research effort is to bring high-performance MRI into the NICU so that all neonates can benefit from the same quality of diagnostic imaging as adults. To accomplish this, we have converted a commercial small-bore 1.5 Tesla (T) MRI scanner designed for orthopedic use into a neonatal MRI system optimized for whole body imaging of neonates (NICU MRI). To expand the imaging capabilities of the NICU MRI system, the measurement control electronics and operating system software of the FDA cleared OPTIMA platform have been augmented with state of the art HDX electronics and software currently used on a conventional commercially available adult sized whole body MRI scanner. The clinical safety of the integrated HDX/OPTIMA NICU MRI system and its ability to produce diagnostic image quality has been shown in 15 pilot patients (CCHMC Protocol 2011-2045). Further we have scanned almost 600 patients under a prior protocol (CCHMC Protocol 2011-2850) without an adverse event.

The present protocol seeks to allow continued performance of clinical MRI exams on the NICU magnet with improved administrative processes and procedures. NICU patients for whom an MRI exam is medically indicated will be recruited for the present study. Images will be obtained using both the FDA cleared OPTIMA NICU MRI platform and the integrated HDX/OPTIMA NICU MRI platform with the additional HDX images augmenting the OPTIMA images and contributing to diagnosis and guidance of subsequent clinical management. The specific MR imaging methods/procedures utilized will be determined by the type of exam to be performed and the medical indication. All of the MR images obtained will be reviewed by a board certified pediatric radiologist as part of clinical care and a clinical report will be generated and included in the infant's medical record.