Low field strength magnetic resonance imaging of the neonatal brain.
BACKGROUND
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the neonate has been restricted by the need to transport the sick baby to the large magnetic resonance scanners and often the need for sedation or anaesthesia in order to obtain good quality images. Ultrasound is the reference standard for neonatal imaging.


OBJECTIVE
To establish a dedicated neonatal MR system and compare the clinical usefulness of MR imaging with ultrasound imaging.


METHODS
Prospective double blind trial.


METHODS
Neonatal intensive care unit, Sheffield.


METHODS
Imaging reports.


METHODS
134 premature and term babies.


RESULTS
In 56% of infants with pathology suspected on clinical grounds, MR provided additional useful clinical information over and above that obtained with ultrasound.


CONCLUSIONS
Infants can be safely imaged by dedicated low field magnetic resonance on the neonatal intensive care unit without the need for sedation at a cost equivalent to ultrasound.
Whitby
E H
EH
Department of Academic Radiology, Floor C, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2JF, UK. e.whitby@sheffield.ac.uk
Paley
M N
MN
Smith
M F
MF
Sprigg
A
A
Woodhouse
N
N
Griffiths
P D
PD
D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004453:Echoencephalography; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000502:physiology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies