Utility of Novel Ultra-Low-Field Portable MRI in a Remote Setting in Canada

Abstract

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and clinical impact of utilizing low-field portable MRI in a remote setting in Canada.

Methods: This was a single-site prospective cohort study. An ultra-low-field (0.064 T) portable MRI was installed in Weeneebayko General Hospital, Moose Factory, Ontario. Adults presenting with any indication for neuroimaging between November 2021 and June 2023 were eligible for study inclusion. Clinical presentation, indication for imaging,and radiology report turnaround time were recorded. Images were evaluated for diagnostic quality, and radiology reports were analyzed to determine the diagnostic utility of ultra-low-field MRI.

Results: An ultra-low-field portable MRI was successfully installed in a remote Canadian location. Fifty patients received a portable MRI scan. Comments on suboptimal image quality were made for 12 (24%) of the portable MRI examinations; however, only 2 (4%) of these were deemed nondiagnostic requiring conventional imaging for further evaluation. Clinically significant pathology was identified in 5 (10%) of the examinations.

Conclusion: This first-of-its-kind study demonstrates the application of ultra-low-field portable MRI in a remote setting in Canada is feasible and offers clinical information that may help triage which patients require transfer to a center with conventional high-field MRI availability.

Keywords: MRI; access; imaging; neuroradiology; portable MRI; radiology.