Can Neonatal Brain MRI be Performed during Active Cooling?

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.