ABSTRACT
Ultrasound has been the mainstay of neonatal imaging over the past two decades. However, there are a number of complementary approaches now emerging which include both dedicated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems located on the intensive care unit and MRI-compatible transport incubators used in conjunction with conventional high field MRI-systems. Following a short review of “conventional” MRI of neonates, the next two chapters discuss some of the system development issues and the likely future clinical role of these two new options together with descriptions of several advanced MRI techniques for neonatal imaging which are currently emerging. Combination of MRI with in-magnet Ultrasound could lead to new ways to diagnose and perform image-guided interventions in neonates in future, taking advantage of the strengths of both modalities. Our initial experience with these combined modalities is described. Imaging studies of neonatal lungs have so far been very difficult to achieve, but in future this could be changed radically through use of hyperpolarized gas MRI which is producing revolutionary results in adults and is briefly reviewed here. The possible role of near infra-red (NIR) optical spectroscopy and an attempt to establish this method for measurement of brain function in neonates in our unit is also discussed.
