Practical Stepwise Approach to Performing Neonatal Brain MR Imaging in the Research Setting

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive imaging technique that is commonly used for the visualization of newborn infant brains, both for clinical and research purposes. One of the main challenges with scanning newborn infants, particularly when scanning without sedation in a research sett...

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Main Authors: Regan King, Selma Low, Nancy Gee, Roger Wood, Bonny Hadweh, Joanne Houghton, Lara M. Leijser
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-10-01
Series:Children
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/10/11/1759
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author Regan King
Selma Low
Nancy Gee
Roger Wood
Bonny Hadweh
Joanne Houghton
Lara M. Leijser
author_facet Regan King
Selma Low
Nancy Gee
Roger Wood
Bonny Hadweh
Joanne Houghton
Lara M. Leijser
author_sort Regan King
collection DOAJ
description Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive imaging technique that is commonly used for the visualization of newborn infant brains, both for clinical and research purposes. One of the main challenges with scanning newborn infants, particularly when scanning without sedation in a research setting, is movement. Infant movement can affect MR image quality and therewith reliable image assessment and advanced image analysis. Applying a systematic, stepwise approach to MR scanning during the neonatal period, including the use of the feed-and-bundle technique, is effective in reducing infant motion and ensuring high-quality images. We provide recommendations for one such systematic approach, including the step-by-step preparation and infant immobilization, and highlight safety precautions to minimize any potential risks. The recommendations are primarily focused on scanning newborn infants for research purposes but may be used successfully for clinical purposes as well, granted the infant is medically stable. Using the stepwise approach in our local research setting, our success rate of acquiring high-quality, analyzable infant brain MR images during the neonatal period is as high as 91%.
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spelling doaj.art-feef772cf51a4d409e8af55d1e72b6ed2023-11-24T14:35:47ZengMDPI AGChildren2227-90672023-10-011011175910.3390/children10111759Practical Stepwise Approach to Performing Neonatal Brain MR Imaging in the Research SettingRegan King0Selma Low1Nancy Gee2Roger Wood3Bonny Hadweh4Joanne Houghton5Lara M. Leijser6Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, CanadaDepartment of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, CanadaDepartment of Diagnostic Imaging, Alberta Children’s Hospital, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB T2S 3C3, CanadaDepartment of Diagnostic Imaging, Alberta Children’s Hospital, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB T2S 3C3, CanadaDepartment of Diagnostic Imaging, Alberta Children’s Hospital, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB T2S 3C3, CanadaDepartment of Diagnostic Imaging, Alberta Children’s Hospital, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB T2S 3C3, CanadaDepartment of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, CanadaMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive imaging technique that is commonly used for the visualization of newborn infant brains, both for clinical and research purposes. One of the main challenges with scanning newborn infants, particularly when scanning without sedation in a research setting, is movement. Infant movement can affect MR image quality and therewith reliable image assessment and advanced image analysis. Applying a systematic, stepwise approach to MR scanning during the neonatal period, including the use of the feed-and-bundle technique, is effective in reducing infant motion and ensuring high-quality images. We provide recommendations for one such systematic approach, including the step-by-step preparation and infant immobilization, and highlight safety precautions to minimize any potential risks. The recommendations are primarily focused on scanning newborn infants for research purposes but may be used successfully for clinical purposes as well, granted the infant is medically stable. Using the stepwise approach in our local research setting, our success rate of acquiring high-quality, analyzable infant brain MR images during the neonatal period is as high as 91%.https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/10/11/1759magnetic resonance imagingbraininfantsafety
spellingShingle Regan King
Selma Low
Nancy Gee
Roger Wood
Bonny Hadweh
Joanne Houghton
Lara M. Leijser
Practical Stepwise Approach to Performing Neonatal Brain MR Imaging in the Research Setting
Children
magnetic resonance imaging
brain
infant
safety
title Practical Stepwise Approach to Performing Neonatal Brain MR Imaging in the Research Setting
title_full Practical Stepwise Approach to Performing Neonatal Brain MR Imaging in the Research Setting
title_fullStr Practical Stepwise Approach to Performing Neonatal Brain MR Imaging in the Research Setting
title_full_unstemmed Practical Stepwise Approach to Performing Neonatal Brain MR Imaging in the Research Setting
title_short Practical Stepwise Approach to Performing Neonatal Brain MR Imaging in the Research Setting
title_sort practical stepwise approach to performing neonatal brain mr imaging in the research setting
topic magnetic resonance imaging
brain
infant
safety
url https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/10/11/1759
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