Background Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) neuroimaging of infants is complicated by the need to transport infants outside the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), often to distant areas of the hospital.

Primary Objective The main aim of this study was to evaluate and compare scoring of images from a novel 1T MRI, which enables neuroimaging within the NICU, with those from a conventional MRI.

Secondary Objective The second aim of this study was to document improved expediency, and thereby greater patient safety, as reflected by decreased transport time.

Materials and Methods Thirty premature infants (mean gestational age: 28.8 ± 2.1 weeks) were scanned consecutively on the novel 1T and 1.5T conventional scanners at term-equivalent age. Orthogonal T1- and T2-weighted images were acquired and reviewed. A global brain abnormality score (Kidokoro) was assigned independently to all images by two radiologists. Interrater agreement was evaluated using the kappa statistic and interscanner agreement was evaluated by Bland–Altman analysis. Transport time to and from both scanners was monitored and compared.

Results Weighted kappas were 0.77 (standard error of measurement [SEM] 0.08; confidence interval [CI]: 0.62–0.92) and 0.86 (SEM: 0.07; CI: 0.73–1), for the 1T and 1.5T scanners, respectively, reflecting substantial interrater agreement. Bland–Altman analysis showed excellent agreement between the two scanners.

Transport time was 8 ± 6 minutes for the 1T MRI versus 46 ± 21 minutes for the conventional MRI (p < 0.00001). No adverse events were recorded during transport. Standard transport times will vary from institution to institution.

Conclusions Kidokoro scores are similar when comparing images obtained from a 1T MRI with those of a conventional 1.5T MRI, reflecting comparable image quality. Transport time was significantly decreased using the 1T neonatal MRI.

The images used in this study were acquired from MRI scans that were funded by Aspect Imaging LTD for another study. The sponsor had no further involvement in the current study. Data collection, analysis and interpretation, writing, and submitting the manuscript for publication were made by the authors. No honorarium, grant, or other forms of payment were given to anyone to produce the manuscript. The travel expenses of Dr. Bin-Nun and Dr. Kasirer, for presenting this study in a conference, were funded by Aspect Imaging. The other authors have no financial relationships relevant to this article to disclose.

*These authors contributed equally to this work as first authors

Received: 29 November 2021

Accepted: 12 August 2022

Accepted Manuscript online:
17 August 2022

Article published online:
19 January 2023

© 2023. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany