Can Neonatal Brain MRI be Performed during Active Cooling?

Abstract

Objective Due to logistical constraints, physicians traditionally delay diagnostic imaging for neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) until the neonate has completed all 72 hours of therapeutic hypothermia and rewarming. In some cases, neonates may require neuroimaging before 72 hours has passed.

Study Design We present a case in which an MRI was acquired during active hypothermia.

Results Upon return to the NICU, Baby X's temperature probe read 33.6 degrees, indicating that hypothermia was likely maintained at the target temperature.

Conclusion Active hypothermia is possible during MRI.

Keywords

hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy - therapeutic hypothermia - MRI

• References

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