Frontiers in Radiology (Jan 2024)

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

  • Philippa Bridgen,
  • Philippa Bridgen,
  • Raphael Tomi-Tricot,
  • Raphael Tomi-Tricot,
  • Raphael Tomi-Tricot,
  • Raphael Tomi-Tricot,
  • Alena Uus,
  • Alena Uus,
  • Daniel Cromb,
  • Megan Quirke,
  • Megan Quirke,
  • Jennifer Almalbis,
  • Jennifer Almalbis,
  • Beya Bonse,
  • Beya Bonse,
  • Miguel De la Fuente Botella,
  • Miguel De la Fuente Botella,
  • Alessandra Maggioni,
  • Alessandra Maggioni,
  • Pierluigi Di Cio,
  • Pierluigi Di Cio,
  • Paul Cawley,
  • Paul Cawley,
  • Chiara Casella,
  • Ayse Sila Dokumaci,
  • Alice R. Thomson,
  • Alice R. Thomson,
  • Jucha Willers Moore,
  • Jucha Willers Moore,
  • Devi Bridglal,
  • Joao Saravia,
  • Thomas Finck,
  • Anthony N. Price,
  • Anthony N. Price,
  • Elisabeth Pickles,
  • Elisabeth Pickles,
  • Elisabeth Pickles,
  • Lucilio Cordero-Grande,
  • Lucilio Cordero-Grande,
  • Lucilio Cordero-Grande,
  • Alexia Egloff,
  • Alexia Egloff,
  • Jonathan O’Muircheartaigh,
  • Jonathan O’Muircheartaigh,
  • Jonathan O’Muircheartaigh,
  • Serena J. Counsell,
  • Sharon L. Giles,
  • Sharon L. Giles,
  • Sharon L. Giles,
  • Maria Deprez,
  • Maria Deprez,
  • Enrico De Vita,
  • Enrico De Vita,
  • Enrico De Vita,
  • Enrico De Vita,
  • Mary A. Rutherford,
  • Mary A. Rutherford,
  • Mary A. Rutherford,
  • A. David Edwards,
  • A. David Edwards,
  • A. David Edwards,
  • Joseph V. Hajnal,
  • Joseph V. Hajnal,
  • Joseph V. Hajnal,
  • Shaihan J. Malik,
  • Shaihan J. Malik,
  • Shaihan J. Malik,
  • Tomoki Arichi,
  • Tomoki Arichi,
  • Tomoki Arichi

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fradi.2023.1327075
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 3

Abstract

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IntroductionUltra-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.MethodsImages 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).ResultsThere was no significant difference between temperature before and after scanning (p = 0.76) and image quality assessment compared favorably to state-of-the-art 3T acquisitions. Anatomical imaging demonstrated excellent sensitivity to structures which are typically hard to visualize at lower field strengths including the hippocampus, cerebellum, and vasculature. Images were also acquired with contrast mechanisms which are enhanced at ultra-high field including susceptibility weighted imaging, functional MRI, and MR spectroscopy.DiscussionWe 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.

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