Introduction of ultra-high-field MR brain imaging in infants: vital parameters, temperature and comfort

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Brain MRI in infants at ultra-high-field scanners might improve diagnostic quality, but safety should be evaluated first. In our previous study, we reported simulated specific absorption rates and acoustic noise data at 7 Tesla. METHODS: In this study, we included twenty infants between term-equivalent age and three months of age. The infants were scanned on a 7 Tesla MRI directly after their clinically indicated 3 Tesla brain MRI scan. Vital parameters, temperature, and comfort were monitored throughout the process. Brain temperature was estimated during the MRI scans using proton MR spectroscopy. RESULTS: We found no significant differences in vital parameters, temperature, and comfort during and after 7 Tesla MRI scans, compared to 3 Tesla MRI scans. CONCLUSIONS: These data confirm our hypothesis that scanning infants at 7 Tesla MRI appears to be safe and we identified no additional risks from scanning at 3 Tesla MRI.