Magnetic resonance imaging of neonates in the magnetic resonance compatible incubator.
BACKGROUND
The authors present the first experience in neonatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations using an MR compatible incubator (INC) at the Institute of Mother and Child.


METHODS
Forty-nine examinations of 47 newborns (20 girls, 27 boys) were performed using the GE Signa HDxt 1.5T system andINCNomag IC 1.5. Demographic data, anesthetic methods and MRI findings in theINCin comparison with previously performed imaging were analyzed.


RESULTS
Thirty-two neonates were prematurely born (68.1%) at gestational age 23-37 weeks, mean: 29.9 weeks. They were examined at 26 weeks postmenstrual age to 1 month corrected age, mean: 37.5 weeks. Body weight of newborns on the study day was 600-4300 g, mean: 2724 g. Seventeen (34.7%) children were examined in physiological sleep, 32 (65.3%) anesthetized. In none of them did anesthesiological complications or disease worsening occur. In 43 (91.5%) children brain MRI was performed, in 4 (8.5%) MRI of the spinal cord and canal and of the abdomen/pelvis. In children prenatally examined by MRI, theINCprovided new diagnostic information in 5 (83.3%) cases, in neonates studied after birth by ultrasound in 32 (82%). Magnetic resonance imaging in theINCdid not entail additional knowledge in 9 (18.7%) cases.


CONCLUSIONS
TheINCenables MRI in preterm newborns and those with low/extremely low body weight. These studies are necessary to assess the extent of changes in the central nervous system and other organs. Incubator coils, designed specifically for neonates, allow more accurate diagnosis than previously used coils for adults. MRI results allow one to determine prognosis, for more accurate planning of diagnostics, helping to make appropriate therapeutic decisions.
Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland.
Monika
M
Bekiesińska-Figatowska
Clinic of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland.
Ewa
E
Helwich
Clinic of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland.
Magdalena
M
Rutkowska
Intensive Care and Anesthesiology Clinic, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland.
Joanna
J
Stankiewicz
Clinic of Neurology of Children and Adolescents, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland.
Iwona
I
Terczyńska
MR compatible incubator (INC); magnetic resonance imaging; neonates
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