Journal Article

DZNE-2024-01433

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Proof of concept: Portable ultra-low-field magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis of epileptogenic brain pathologies.

Bauer, T. (First author)DZNE* ; Olbrich, S. ; Groteklaes, A. ; Lehnen, N. C. ; Zidan, M. ; Lange, A. ; Bisten, J. ; Walger, L. ; Faber, J.DZNE* ; Bruchhausen, W. ; Vollmuth, P. ; Herrlinger, U. ; Radbruch, A.DZNE* ; Surges, R. ; Sabir, H.DZNE* ; Rüber, T. (Last author)DZNE*

2024
Wiley-Blackwell Oxford [u.a.]

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1111/epi.18171

Abstract: High-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a standard in the diagnosis of epilepsy. However, high costs and technical barriers have limited adoption in low- and middle-income countries. Even in high-income nations, many individuals with epilepsy face delays in undergoing MRI. Recent advancements in ultra-low-field (ULF) MRI technology, particularly the development of portable scanners, offer a promising solution to the limited accessibility of MRI. In this study, we present and evaluate the imaging capability of ULF MRI in detecting structural abnormalities typically associated with epilepsy and compare it to high-field MRI at 3 T.Data collection was conducted within 3 consecutive weeks at the University Hospital Bonn. Inclusion criteria were a minimum age of 18 years, diagnosed epilepsy, and clinical high-field MRI with abnormalities. We used a .064 T Swoop portable MR Imaging System. Both high-field MRI and ULF MRI scans were evaluated independently by two experienced neuroradiologists as part of their clinical routine, comparing pathology detection and diagnosis completeness.Twenty-three individuals with epilepsy were recruited. One subject presented with a dual pathology. Across the entire cohort, in 17 of 24 (71%) pathologies, an anomaly colocalizing with the actual lesion was observed on ULF MRI. For 11 of 24 (46%) pathologies, the full diagnosis could be made based on ULF MRI. Tumors and posttraumatic lesions could be diagnosed best on ULF MRI, whereas cortical dysplasia and other focal pathologies were the least well diagnosed.This single-center series of individuals with epilepsy demonstrates the feasibility and utility of ULF MRI for the field of epileptology. Its integration into epilepsy care offers transformative potential, particularly in resource-limited settings. Further research is needed to position ULF MRI within imaging modalities in the diagnosis of epilepsy.

Keyword(s): Humans (MeSH) ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging: methods (MeSH) ; Epilepsy: diagnostic imaging (MeSH) ; Male (MeSH) ; Female (MeSH) ; Adult (MeSH) ; Young Adult (MeSH) ; Middle Aged (MeSH) ; Adolescent (MeSH) ; Proof of Concept Study (MeSH) ; Brain: diagnostic imaging (MeSH) ; Brain: pathology (MeSH) ; Epilepsy ; Global Epileptology ; Neuroimaging ; Sustainability ; limited ressources

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. MR Physics (AG Stöcker)
2. Clinical Research Coordination (Clinical Research (Bonn))
3. Clinical Neuroimaging (AG Radbruch)
4. Neonatal Neuroscience (AG Sabir)

Research Program(s):

1. 354 - Disease Prevention and Healthy Aging (POF4-354) (POF4-354)
2. 353 - Clinical and Health Care Research (POF4-353) (POF4-353)
3. 352 - Disease Mechanisms (POF4-352) (POF4-352)

Appears in the scientific report 2024

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Database coverage:
; ; ; BIOSIS Previews ; Biological Abstracts ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Clinical Medicine ; Current Contents - Life Sciences ; DEAL Wiley ; Ebsco Academic Search ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF >= 5 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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