Journal Article

DZNE-2025-01306

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Proof of concept: Portable ultra-low-field MRI for the assessment of brain tumors

Zeyen, T. ; Sabir, H.DZNE* ; Bauer, T.DZNE* ; Henke, O. ; Lehnen, N. ; Zidan, M. ; Olbrich, S. ; Lange, A. ; Bisten, J. ; Groteklaes, A. ; Faber, J.DZNE* ; Röver, L. ; Schäfer, N. ; Weller, J. ; Bruchhausen, W. ; Radbruch, A.DZNE* ; Herrlinger, U. ; Rüber, T.

2025
Oxford Univ. Press Oxford

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1093/nop/npaf101

Abstract: BackgroundHigh-field (HF) MRI is a standard diagnostic tool for brain cancer, but its high cost and technical demands limit accessibility in low- and middle-income countries. Recent advancements in ultra-low field (ULF) MRI technology, including the development of portable scanners, offer a promising solution to these challenges. This study evaluates the diagnostic capabilities of ULF-MRI in detecting brain cancer and compares radiological evaluation using ULF- with HF-MRI.MethodsConsecutive patients with suspected or confirmed brain tumors undergoing routine 3T HF-MRI at the University Hospital Bonn were recruited for this study and underwent ULF-MRI. Eligible patients were at least 18 years old and had MRI-abnormalities in the HF-MRI. The 0.064 Tesla Swoop portable MR Imaging System was utilized. HF-MRI and ULF-MRI scans were independently evaluated by two experienced neuroradiologists and results were compared.ResultsThirteen patients were recruited, of whom 11 (85%) were diagnosed with brain tumors. In 11/11 (100%) patients with brain tumors, ULF-MRI identified tumor lesions corresponding to the findings of HF-MRI. In 7/11 (63.6%) identification of all tumor lesions could be achieved. Three of four further relevant imaging findings in HF-MRI (e.g. acute hydrocephalus or concomitant ischemia) were also found in in ULF-MRI.ConclusionThis single-center study demonstrates that ULF-MRI is a practical tool in neuro-oncology, which may particularly be helpful in resource-limited settings. Further research is required to define the role of ULF-MRI alongside existing imaging modalities for brain cancer diagnosis and management.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Neonatal Neuroscience (AG Sabir)
2. Clinical Neuroimaging (AG Radbruch)
3. Clinical Research Platform (CRP) (Clinical Research Platform (CRP))

Research Program(s):

1. 352 - Disease Mechanisms (POF4-352) (POF4-352)
2. 353 - Clinical and Health Care Research (POF4-353) (POF4-353)

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Database coverage:
; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Ebsco Academic Search ; Emerging Sources Citation Index ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Web of Science Core Collection

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