Motion Robust MR Fingerprinting Scan to Image Neonates With Prenatal Opioid Exposure
Dan Ma, Chaitra Badve, Jessie E.P. Sun, Siyuan Hu, Xiaofeng Wang, Yong Chen, Ameya Nayate, Michael Wien, Douglas Martin, Lynn T. Singer, Jared C. Durieux, Chris Flask, Deanne Wilson Costello - Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and imaging
Purpose
To explore whether MR fingerprinting (MRF) scans provide motion‐robust and quantitative brain tissue measurements for non‐sedated infants with prenatal opioid exposure (POE).
Study Type
Prospective.
Population
13 infants with POE (3 male; 12 newborns (age 7–65 days) and 1 infant aged 9‐months).
Field Strength/Sequence
3T, 3D T1‐weighted MPRAGE, 3D T2‐weighted TSE and MRF sequences.
Assessment
The image quality of MRF and MRI was assessed in a fully crossed, multiple‐reader, multiple‐case study. Sixteen image quality features in three types—image artifacts, structure and myelination visualization—were ranked by four neuroradiologists (8, 7, 5, and 8 years of experience respectively), using a 3‐point scale. MRF T1 and T2 values in 8 white matter brain regions were compared between babies younger than 1 month and babies between 1 and 2 months.
Statistical Tests
Generalized estimating equations model to test the significance of differences of regional T1 and T2 values of babies under 1 month and those older. MRI and MRF image quality was assessed using Gwet's second order auto‐correlation coefficient (AC2) with confidence levels. The Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel test was used to assess the difference in proportions between MRF and MRI for all features and stratified by the type of features. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
The MRF of two infants were excluded in T1 and T2 value analysis due to severe motion artifact but were included in the image quality assessment. In infants under 1 month of age (N = 6), the T1 and T2 values were significantly higher compared to those between 1 and 2 months of age (N = 4). MRF images showed significantly higher image quality ratings in all three feature types compared to MRI images.
Conclusions
MR Fingerprinting scans have potential to be a motion‐robust and efficient method for nonsedated infants.
Level of Evidence
2
Technical Efficacy Stage
1