Accessible Pediatric Neuroimaging Using a Low Field Strength Portable MRI Scanner

Abstract

Within the research context, pediatric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has added considerably to our knowledge and understanding of developing brain organization, architectural topology, and functional specialization. Clinically, MRI has aided the identification of injury and early disease, including leukodystrophies, hydrocephalus, stroke, hemorrhage, and encephalopathy amongst numerous others. However, the infrastructural needs of current state-of-the-art MR systems, including scanner cost, space and device shielding, power requirements, and clinical expertise, have limited pediatric MRI to specialized research centers and clinical settings in predominately higher income and resource settings. Here we present the first pediatric MRI data collected with a low cost, portable, and accessible 64mT field-strength scanner, replicating developmental trajectories derived from higher magnetic field data. Results demonstrate the potential of low field MR systems for routine pediatric neuroimaging, particularly in lower-income settings where higher field strength systems are ill-suited and uncommon, but of great need. Funding Information: Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) National Institutes of Health (SCD UG3OD023313), National Institutes of Health (SCD R34-DA050284), Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (MMKB INV-005774). Declaration of Interests: The authors report no significant financial conflicts of interest with respect to the subject matter of this manuscript. Ethics Approval Statement: All data were acquired in accordance with ethical approval and oversight Lifespan Rhode Island Hospital institutional review board, with informed consent obtained from all parents or legal guardians.